Written and medically reviewed by Dorcas Morak, Pharm.D
Staying up to date on vaccinations is one of the best ways to protect your health—and the health of your family. But for many people, especially those without insurance, the cost of immunizations can be a barrier. Fortunately, there are smart ways to save on vaccines, including affordable options available at your local pharmacy. Here’s how you can cut costs—and how the RxLess™ Assurance Plan can help
What Vaccines Can You Get at Pharmacies?
Many retail pharmacies and walk-in clinics offer a wide variety of routine and seasonal vaccines. These include:
- Flu (Influenza): Standard and high-dose versions available, especially for adults 65 and older.
- Shingles (Shingrix): Recommended for adults 50+, given in two doses.
- COVID-19: Available for individuals 6 months and older, with guidance on boosters evolving regularly.
- RSV: For adults 60+ and pregnant women during weeks 32–36 of pregnancy.
- Tdap: Protects against tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis; recommended every 10 years.
- Other vaccines:
- MMR/Varicella (ProQuad): Measles, mumps, rubella, and chickenpox
- Hepatitis A
- Hepatitis B
- HPV (Gardasil 9)
- Meningitis
- Pneumonia (Pneumococcal vaccines) Note: Availability may vary by location, so check with your local pharmacy ahead of time.
How Much Do Vaccines Cost at Pharmacies?
Vaccine costs can vary widely depending on the type, pharmacy, and whether you have insurance. Below are some general price estimates:
- Flu vaccine: Up to $107
- High-dose flu vaccine: Up to $107
- Shingles (Shingrix) vaccine: Up to $250
- COVID-19 vaccine: Up to $200 per dose
- RSV vaccine: Up to $360
- Tdap: Up to $84 These prices are subject to change and may be lower with discounts or insurance.
Are Vaccines Covered by Insurance?
In many cases, yes. Most health insurance plans—including those under the Affordable Care Act—cover routine vaccinations at no cost when administered by an in-network provider. Medicare Part B and Part D also cover several recommended vaccines, including flu, pneumonia, shingles, and hepatitis B.
If you’re uninsured or your plan doesn’t cover a specific vaccine, you may need to pay out of pocket—but there are ways to lower those costs.
How to Save Money on Vaccines at Pharmacies?
If you’re looking for affordable vaccine options, try these strategies:
- Use the Rxless Assurance Plan: Download the free RxLess™ app to access savings on vaccines and other medications. For example, users can save up to 88% on Shingrix and Tdap vaccines at over 70,000 participating pharmacies.
- Compare Prices: Vaccine costs may vary by pharmacy. Use tools like the RxLess™ Real-Time Price Finder to compare prices at CVS, Walgreens, Rite Aid, and other nearby clinics.
- Look for seasonal promotions: Pharmacies often offer discounts during flu season or when new COVID-19 boosters become available.
- Explore public assistance programs: If you’re uninsured, programs like Vaccines for Children provide free or low-cost vaccines to eligible children. Local health departments may also have options for adults.
- Use pre-tax savings accounts: If you have a Health Savings Account (HSA) or Flexible Spending Account (FSA), you can use those funds to pay for vaccinations tax-free.
Before You Get Vaccinated
To make your pharmacy visit as smooth—and affordable—as possible, remember to:
- Check vaccine availability: Not every pharmacy stocks every vaccine or serves all age groups.
- Verify insurance coverage: Make sure your plan is accepted and check if you’ll owe a copay or fee.
- Ask about discounts: If you’re paying out of pocket, ask if the pharmacy accepts the RxLess™ Assurance Plan or offers other cost-saving options.
Bottom Line
Vaccines play a vital role in protecting your health, but they don’t have to break the bank. Whether you're planning ahead for flu season or catching up on adult immunizations, pharmacy discounts, price comparisons, and the RxLess™ Assurance Plan can help make vaccines more affordable.
Ready to save? Download the free RxLess™ app today to find your nearest participating pharmacy and start saving on your next vaccination.
