Should You Get Your Flu Vaccine at Costco?

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Now that it's officially fall, it's time for a few annual traditions, like Thanksgiving, the pumpkin spice latte, and, of course, flu shots. If you're a Costco member, you have one more option for your flu and COVID-19 vaccine this year: Costco. The pharmacy offers a wide range of vaccines all year round, as well as discounts for members who need to pay cash.

But should you get your flu vaccine at Costco? I don't see why not!

What vaccines does Costco offer?

This time of year you have a lot of options for vaccinations, ranging from clinics at work to community clinics and, of course, other commercial pharmacies. But the nice thing about getting your flu vaccine at Costco is that you can also get other vaccines there, saving you both time and money.

Costco offers a pretty wide range of vaccines and really decent cash prices if your insurance isn't prepared to cover a particular vaccination you need, or you don't have adequate insurance coverage to begin with. Costco discloses prices on its website, so you can budget for them ahead of time. You will need a Costco Member Prescription Discount card to get the best value.

Here's a list of some of the most common vaccines people are looking for right now, and Costco's price per dose:

• Seasonal flu: The standard three-strain flu shot is available for $19.99 and the shot formulated for seniors and those with compromised immune systems is $59.99.
• COVID-19: Costco offers all three COVID boosters. So, whether you're team Pfizer, Moderna, or Novovax, you're covered for $139.99.
• Pneumonia: Are you looking for Vaxneuvance, Pneumovax23, or Prevnar 20 to help prevent pneumonia this winter? Costco offers Vaxneuvance for $225.79, Pneumovax23 for $118.99, and Prevnar20 for $258.99.
• Tetanus, Diphtheria, Whooping cough (Tdap): One shot, three preventatives, for just $53.49.
• RSV: RSV is yet another respiratory illness that's no fun at all. Costco will protect you with Abrysvo or Arexvy vaccines for $319.99.
• Shingles: Adults over 50 years of age or those with compromised immune systems are at risk for shingles if they've had chicken pox in their lives. You can protect yourself for $202.99.
• HPV: You can get the Gardasil 9 vaccine at Costco for just $269.99, if you're eligible.

What you need to get your vaccines at Costco

Costco makes it super easy to get your vaccines at its pharmacy during flu season, or any time of the year. Simply download the Costco mobile app and search for the pharmacy. There, you'll find the immunization consent form that you'll need to bring with you, as well as an online scheduler so you can book your appointment right away.

Your local Costco may allow walk-in appointments if the pharmacy isn't busy, but you shouldn't count on that. Costco is a hopping place, and betting against it being busy is never a good idea. You'll also need your insurance card, if you have one, a form of payment, and identification. Remember, Costco can't bill your insurance without your insurance information, so it's really important to bring that.

Lastly, bring a book or at least a fully charged smartphone, because you'll be asked to wait after your vaccinations to ensure that you don't have any serious allergic reactions. It's important to wait during the whole window so you have help available in case something were to go wrong.

Why choose Costco for your vaccines?

With COVID-19 and flu in the air, vaccines are more important than ever, and it's lovely that Costco has so many on offer. While you're at the store picking up your groceries or shopping for a new ladder, you can pop into the pharmacy and get the coverage you need for the whole winter season and beyond.

If you have insurance, your shots are likely to be free, and Costco will file all the necessary paperwork for you, making it easy, too. With over 1 million vaccines already given to Costco members, your local Costco pharmacy combines experience with convenience, every single day of the week.

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