Flu shots now available at major retail chains

PROVIDENCE – Several major retailers, including drugstores, discount stores and supermarkets, are now offering seasonal flu shots to the general public, priced as low as $24 and available while supplies last.
CVS/pharmacy is offering flu shots for $29.95, with the option to bill the shots to insurance instead; Walgreens, which charges $29.99 and also has FluMist Intranasal Spray for $34.99, has made arrangements for easy insurance billing with several carriers, including UnitedHealthcare. Both chains are also offering flu shot “gift cards.”
The Stop & Shop supermarket chain is offering flu shots in its stores’ pharmacy departments, charging $30, with a $5 discount available with a Stop & Shop card. Target is offering flu shots in its pharmacy departments for $24, or with insurance coverage.
This year’s flu shots protect against the H1N1 strain as well as two other seasonal flu viruses – an influenza B and H3N2 virus. •