The Centers for Disease Control recommends that everyone 6 months and older get their flu vaccine every year. This year, it’s more important than ever to get your flu shot due to the coronavirus pandemic. While the flu vaccine does not protect you against getting COVID-19, it is possible to get the flu and COVID-19 at the same time. Therefore, reduce your risk of getting the flu and the spread of coronavirus by getting the flu vaccine this flu season.
It's especially imperative for pregnant women to get a flu vaccine. According to the Centers for Disease Control, the flu is more likely to cause severe illness in pregnant women than in women of reproductive age who are not pregnant. Changes in the immune system, heart, and lungs during pregnancy make pregnant women (and women up to two weeks postpartum) more prone to severe illness from flu, including illness resulting in hospitalization.
Therefore, it’s essential that everyone gets vaccinated to protect themselves, and their loved ones. In NYC, there are several ways to stay connected and get a flu shot for free.
Free Flu Shots For Uninsured or Insured in NYC
Local Clinics
There are two clinics in NYC that do not require an appointment and you can receive a flu shot free of charge if you are over 19 years old:
Beacon Christian Community Center
2079 Forest Ave, Staten Island, NY 10303
Ryan Chelsea Clinton Community Health
645 10th Avenue, Manhattan, NY, 10036
Pharmacies
There are also several neighborhood pharmacies that offer low-cost or free flu shots (with most insurance) such as:
- Walgreens: At Walgreens, flu shots are free to the patient with Medicare Part B and Medicaid in certain states.
- CVS: Your flu shot may be free with medical insurance or Medicare Part B. There is no copayment unless required by your plan. Accepts cash, checks, and credit cards for flu shot costs. The seasonal vaccine is $39.99. High–dose vaccine is $69.99.
- Rite Aid: Flu shots are no cost with most insurances. You can also pay cash, flu shots start at $39.99.
Mira
When you become a Mira member, you may be eligible for a free flu shot through your membership. With Mira, you have access to any of our NYC or LA clinics for just $45/mo, low co-pays, no deductible, and up to 80% off prescription discounts through our MiraRx portal.
Your primary care doctor
If you're enrolled in a health insurance plan through the Affordable Care Act (ACA) or another private insurance plan, your provider will cover the cost of the flu shot entirely. There will be no co-pay for your appointment, even if you did not reach your deductible.
Urgent Care Centers
Many urgent care centers in NYC are offering free flu shots if you are insured or low-cost if you are uninsured.
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- CityMD- For insured: regular Dose: $30.
- New York Doctors Urgent Care- For insured: $25
- Medrite- Inquire via phone
Outdoor Flu Vaccination Events
According to NYC Health, there will be outdoor flu vaccination pop-up events throughout the city this season.
Vaccines at these sites are available to all New Yorkers, regardless of your immigration status or whether you have insurance. People who have insurance should bring their insurance cards. No registration or appointments are necessary unless otherwise noted. See the list of events below for more information.
| Bronx | Manhattan | Brooklyn |
| October 16, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Bay Eden Senior Center 1220 East 229th Street, Bronx (Corner of East 229th Street and Schieffelin Avenue) | October 16, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. The Hebrew Tabernacle 551 Fort Washington Avenue (West 185th street), Manhattan Registration is required. To register, call 212-234-1430. | October 17, noon to 4 p.m. Park Church Co-Op 129 Russell Street, Brooklyn |
| October 18, 9 a.m. to noon Sacred Heart Church 253 Shakespeare Avenue, Bronx | ||
| October 18, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saint Frances of Rome 4307 Barnes Avenue, Bronx Pre-registration is encouraged, but walk-ins will be accepted. Pre-register at Walgreens Immunization Clinic | ||
| October 25, 9:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saint Anthony Padua Church 832 East 166th Street, Bronx | ||
| October 25, 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Saint Athanasius Church 878 Tiffany Street, Bronx | ||
| October 26, 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Tremont Health Action Center 1826 Arthur Avenue, Bronx |
Free Flu Shots For City Employees
If you are a city employee and concerned about being able to get a flu shot in New York City, you are able to receive a free flu vaccine through WorkWell NYC clinics. You can call your local health department for more information. They are available in all 5 boroughs:
WorkWell NYC clinics
Brooklyn
Brooklyn Borough Hall
209 Joralemon St., Brooklyn, NY
Dates: October 15 & 20 | Time: 9:30am- 4:00pm
Manhattan
DCAS
31 Chambers St., Manhattan, NY
Dates: October 8, 14 & 27 | Time: 9:00am- 5:00pm
Staten Island
130 Stuyvesant Pl., Staten Island, NY
Oct. 7 & 9 | 9am - 5pm
Queens
DOHMH Gotham
42-09 28 St., LIC, NY
Oct. 19 & Nov. 6 | 10am - 4pm
Bronx
Bronx Borough President Office
851 Grand Concourse., Bronx, NY
Dates: October 15 & 16 | Time: 9:00am- 5pm
Pharmacies
Another option to get a no-cost flu shot in NYC would be to get one at a participating pharmacy. All employees, dependents, and pre-Medicare retirees covered by City health benefits can get flu shots free of cost at a participating pharmacy here.
In-Network Physicians
All employees, dependents, and pre-Medicare retirees covered by City health benefits can get flu shots free of cost at an in-network physician’s office. Depending on your insurance plan, you may also receive access to a free or low-cost flu-shot if you are not a City employee.
Free Flu Shots For Children
The New York City Vaccines for Children (VFC) Program is a federally funded program that supplies providers in private and public health care facilities throughout New York City with free vaccines for eligible children. Besides VFC, additional types of funding may be allocated to cover additional populations.
Sources:
https://www1.nyc.gov/assets/olr/downloads/pdf/wellness/flushotlocationflyer.pdf
https://www.citymd.com/services/vaccinations/seasonal-flu-shots
https://www.cvs.com/immunizations/flu/faq?icid=flushots-tab-faq
https://www.riteaid.com/pharmacy/services/vaccine-central/immunization-information/flu
https://www1.nyc.gov/site/doh/health/health-topics/flu-seasonal.page
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