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Companies That Give Flu Shots

The seasonal flu vaccine is administered two ways: a shot or a nasal spray. Companies offering flu vaccines may have both choices but the shot is most prevalent because it has no age restriction. The nasal spray is approved only for ages 2-49. The flu vaccine changes annually based on the strains the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention think will be the biggest threat in a given year.

  1. Walgreens

    • Walgreens is the largest retail provider of flu shots in the United States. In 2009, more than seven million flu shots were administered through the company. Every one of its 7,500 stores across the nation, which include Duane Reade stores and Take Care Clinics, offer daily flu shots during pharmacy and clinic hours. Walk-ins are welcome and patients have a direct medical billing option that allows them to have the shot billed to their insurance company. Required forms are available on the Walgreens website and can be filled out ahead of time. The shots are offered in either the traditional vaccine or the FluMist Intranasal Spray.

    Wal-Mart / Sam's Club

    • Wal-Mart and Sam's Club provide flu shots at 4,100 stores throughout the United States. The shots are provided through Mollen Immunization Clinics. Medicare Part B and other health insurances are accepted. Patients can find a complete list of accepted insurance plans at the Wal-Mart flu shot website. There is no need to make an appointment, but hours vary by location so call ahead or check the website for hours.

    Rite Aid

    • Rite Aid stores offer an extra incentive to entice people into getting flu shots. Each person who gets a flu shot at Rite Aid will receive $100 in savings through a coupon book. Walk-in services are available at many, but not all Rite Aid locations, and immunization clinics are at select stores. Rite Aid has a comprehensive online list of stores offering flu shots and hours.

    CVS

    • CVS, like Rite Aid, tries to tempt customers to get their flu shot by providing an incentive. Everyone who gets a flu shot at CVS gets a 10 percent in-store discount pass, except in the four states that do not offer the program. Flu shots are administered at every CVS store and MinuteClinic. Although appointments are not required, there is an online My Flu Shot Scheduler which shows stores in the area, shot hours and available appointment times. Flu shot reservations can be done using the scheduler.

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