Solv / Vaccines / Flu shot

Find a flu shot near me

Book a same-day flu shot near you through Solv. Most flu vaccines are free with insurance, and the platform makes it easy to schedule and skip long wait times.

Most insurance plans cover flu shots.

Everyone 6 months and older should get vaccinated annually.

High-dose flu vaccines protect people aged 65 and older.

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Getting your annual flu shot doesn't have to cost you a penny! Most insurance plans, including Medicare and Medicaid, cover flu vaccines at 100% as part of their preventive care benefits. This means you won't have to pay anything out-of-pocket when you roll up your sleeve for protection against this year's flu strains. Simply bring your insurance card to your local pharmacy or doctor's office, and you'll be good to go. It's a hassle-free way to stay healthy during flu season without worrying about your wallet.

Who should get a flu shot?

Nearly everyone 6 months and older should get a yearly flu shot to stay protected, according to the CDC. It's especially crucial for pregnant women, seniors over 65, young children, and people with chronic health conditions like asthma, diabetes, or heart disease. Healthcare workers, caregivers, and those who live with high-risk individuals should also make getting vaccinated a priority. Even if you're young and healthy, getting the flu shot helps protect not just you but also those around you who might be more vulnerable to serious flu complications.

Why get the flu vaccine?

Getting your annual flu shot is one of the most effective ways to shield yourself and others from influenza — a serious respiratory illness that affects millions each year.

CDC recommended

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) strongly urges everyone 6 months and older to get vaccinated, as it's the most reliable defense against seasonal flu strains.

Protect your family

By getting vaccinated, you create a barrier of protection not just for yourself but also for vulnerable loved ones like elderly relatives, young children, and those with weakened immune systems who might not be able to fight off the virus as effectively.

Stay ahead of new viruses

Each year's flu vaccine is specially formulated to combat the most prevalent strains, helping your immune system prepare for new variations of the virus before they can make you sick.

How effective is the flu vaccine?

Flu vaccine effectiveness can vary from year to year, but it consistently provides valuable protection. According to the CDC, flu vaccines reduce the risk of illness by 40% to 60% when the vaccine is well-matched to circulating strains. Even in years with a less-than-perfect match, the flu shot still lowers the severity of illness, reduces the risk of hospitalization, and helps prevent flu-related complications—especially in high-risk groups like young children, seniors, and people with chronic conditions. Getting vaccinated not only protects you, but also helps reduce the overall spread of the virus in your community.

Types of flu vaccines

Flu shot

The standard flu shot is an inactivated vaccine given with a needle, typically in the arm. It contains dead flu virus particles that trigger your immune system to build protection against the disease without causing an infection.

Quick fact: This is the most widely used and recommended flu vaccine option.

Trivalent flu vaccine

This traditional vaccine guards against three different flu viruses: two types of influenza A and one type of influenza B. Think of it as a triple shield that covers the most common flu strains circulating each season.

Quick fact: Trivalent may be offered in certain cases, but is less common than quadrivalent.

High-dose flu vaccine

Specifically designed for people 65 and older, this supercharged version contains four times the amount of antigen compared to regular flu shots. It provides stronger protection for older adults whose immune systems typically need an extra boost.

Quick fact: High-dose are shown to be 24% more effective in seniors than standard shots.

Nasal spray flu vaccine

Also known as FluMist, this needle-free option delivers weakened live viruses through a gentle spray in the nose. It's approved for healthy people between ages 2 and 49, offering an alternative for those who prefer to skip the shot.

Quick fact: Nasal spray vaccines are not recommended for pregnant women or those with weakened immunity.

Other types of flu vaccine

Several specialized versions exist, including cell-based vaccines (grown in cell culture rather than eggs) and recombinant vaccines (produced using modern genetic technology). These alternatives are particularly helpful for people with egg allergies or specific medical conditions.

Quick fact: Recombinant vaccines are egg-free and suitable for adults 18+.

Where to get a flu shot

Booking your flu shot through Solv makes the process simple, fast, and stress-free — so you can protect yourself and your loved ones with ease.

Trusted providers

Solv connects you with licensed healthcare professionals who are trained in vaccine administration. They’ll answer your questions and make sure you feel confident about getting vaccinated.

Convenient scheduling

Use Solv’s easy online platform to find nearby clinics, choose a time that works for you, skip the waiting room, and even complete paperwork in advance — all from your phone.

If you are already feeling unwell and unsure if it’s the flu or COVID-19? Get tested and find the right care to start feeling better.

Other common travel vaccines

Before traveling internationally, it’s important to protect yourself against diseases that may be rare in the U.S. but common elsewhere. Vaccination can help prevent serious illness and is often required for entry into certain countries. Below are some of the most common travel vaccines and who should consider them based on destination.

Chickenpox (Varicella)

Prevents a highly contagious viral infection with an itchy rash and fever. Recommended if you’ve never had chickenpox or weren’t vaccinated.

Recommended for travelers to Asia, Africa, and Central/South America without prior immunity.

Flu (Influenza)

Protects against seasonal flu viruses that spread easily worldwide, especially during local flu seasons.

Recommended for all international travelers, especially to crowded or high-risk areas.

Hepatitis A & B

Protects against liver infections—Hep A from contaminated food/water; Hep B from blood or body fluids.

Recommended for travel to Africa, Asia, Central/South America, and the Middle East.

MMR (Measles, Mumps, Rubella)

Protects against three highly contagious viral infections: measles (rash and fever), mumps (swollen glands), and rubella (mild illness that can cause birth defects in pregnancy).

Recommended for travelers visiting regions with known outbreaks or low vaccination rates, including parts of Europe, Asia, and Africa.

Tetanus (Td or Tdap)

Protects against tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis, which can be life-threatening. A booster is needed every 10 years.

Recommended for all travelers, especially to areas with limited medical care.

Yellow fever

Prevents a serious mosquito-borne viral disease. Required for entry into some countries.

Recommended or required for travel to parts of Africa and South America.

FAQs

What is the flu?
The flu is a contagious respiratory illness caused by influenza viruses that can cause mild to severe illness. It can lead to fever, body aches, fatigue, and respiratory symptoms.
What is the flu shot?
A flu shot is an inactivated vaccine that's administered through injection to protect against influenza viruses. It contains dead virus particles that help your immune system develop antibodies against the flu.
Who should get a flu shot?
The CDC recommends that everyone 6 months of age and older should get a flu vaccine every season. This is especially important for young children, pregnant women, older adults, and people with chronic health conditions.
Who should not get a flu shot?
Children younger than 6 months and people with severe, life-threatening allergies to flu vaccine ingredients (including egg proteins) should not get the flu shot. Those who've had a severe reaction to a flu vaccine in the past should also avoid it.
Is there a flu shot for ages 65+?
Yes, there's a high-dose flu vaccine specifically designed for people 65 and older that contains four times the amount of antigen compared to regular flu shots, providing stronger protection for older adults.
When should I get the flu shot?
You should get your flu shot before flu season begins, ideally by the end of October, though getting vaccinated later can still be beneficial.
When is flu season?
Flu season typically begins in October and peaks between December and February in the United States.
How long is flu season?
Flu season generally lasts from October through May, with peak activity usually occurring between December and February.
What is influenza?
Influenza is the medical term for the flu, a highly contagious viral infection that attacks the respiratory system, including your nose, throat, and lungs.
Can you get the flu twice in one season?
Yes, it's possible to get the flu twice in one season because there are different strains of the virus circulating at any given time.
What are the common side effects of the flu shot?
Common side effects include soreness at the injection site, mild fever, and minor aches, which typically resolve within a few days.
Is the flu shot covered by insurance?
Most insurance plans cover flu shots at 100% as preventive care under the Affordable Care Act.
How much is a flu shot without insurance?
Without insurance, flu shots typically cost between $30 and $75, depending on the type of vaccine and where you get it.
Are flu shots free anywhere?
Yes, many health departments, community clinics, and some pharmacies offer free flu shots, especially during flu season or specific vaccination events.
Where is the best place to get a flu shot?
The best place is wherever is most convenient for you – options include your doctor's office, local pharmacies, health clinics, or workplace vaccination programs.
What to avoid after a flu shot?
Avoid strenuous exercise for a few hours after getting the shot, and don't take pain relievers preventively unless recommended by your healthcare provider.

Medically reviewed by Dr. Rob Rohatsch, MD

Dr. Rob Rohatsch, MD, is a Board-Certified Emergency Medicine physician and urgent care executive. He earned his MD from Jefferson Medical College, currently serves on multiple boards and is Solv’s Chief Medical Officer.

How we reviewed this article

Medically reviewed

View this article’s sources and history, and read more about Solv’s Content Mission Statement, editorial process, and editorial team.

Sources

4 sources

Solv has strict sourcing guidelines and relies on peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical associations. We avoid using tertiary references.

The Flu Shot. (February 5, 2025) https://medlineplus.gov/flushot.html
Flu. (February 5, 2025) https://medlineplus.gov/flu.html
Seasonal Flu Vaccine Basics. (February 5, 2025) https://www.cdc.gov/flu/vaccines/index.html
Influenza Vaccine, Inactivated or Recombinant. (February 5, 2025) https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a607017.html

4 sources

Solv has strict sourcing guidelines and relies on peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical associations. We avoid using tertiary references.