Where to Get Your Flu Shot

Do you know where you’re getting your flu shot in the next few weeks? Experts say the best time for older adults to roll up their sleeves for the yearly flu vaccine is mid-September through the end of October.

But knowing where to go might be trickier than usual, thanks to the COVID-19 pandemic, which will keep some vaccination sites, like workplaces, closed. But that still leaves doctors’ offices, health departments and pharmacies as possibilities (flu shots are typically free with insurance). The following retailers, all of which offer the high-dose and/or adjuvanted vaccine for adults 65 and older unless otherwise noted, are also officially offering the vaccine now.

Albertsons

Walk-ins are welcome, or you can make an appointment online.

Costco

Walk-ins are welcome, or you can make an appointment online — no Costco membership required.

CVS

Flu shots are available at CVS pharmacies and MinuteClinic locations (found inside select Target and CVS stores). Walk-ins are welcome; you can make a pharmacy appointment online, through the CVS app or by texting FLU to 287898. MinuteClinic appointments are also available online.

H-E-B

Walk-ins are welcome noon to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday; appointments are also available online.

Publix

Walk-ins are welcome, or you can make an appointment online.

Rite-Aid

Walk-ins are welcome, or you can make an appointment online.

Safeway

Walk-ins are welcome, or you can make an appointment online.

Vons

Walk-ins are welcome, or you can make an appointment online.

Walgreens

Walk-ins are welcome. You can make an appointment online or by calling your pharmacy or 800-WALGREENS (800-925-4733).

Walmart

No appointment is necessary; find a store near you online.

Sarah Elizabeth Adler joined aarp.org as a writer in 2018. Her pieces on science, art and culture have appeared in The Atlantic, where she was previously an editorial fellow, California magazine and elsewhere.

Editor’s note: This article was updated in September 2021 with new information about the 2021-2022 flu season.