How effective are flu shots?
Effectiveness varies each year. Because it takes at least six months to make and distribute the shots that become available in September, scientists have to make their best guess about which strains will circulate, and thus what to include in a vaccine, well in advance. During that time — and even while vaccines are being produced — the circulating viruses can mutate, lessening the effectiveness of the chosen vaccine. It’s an imperfect science.
“We do the best we can,” said Dr. Offit, who also sits on the Food and Drug Administration advisory committee that recommends which strains to include. “But you are trying to predict what is going to happen six months from now.”
Sometimes, he said, the experts guess wrong. In the 2014-15 season, the vaccine was only 19 percent effective. Last flu season, the overall vaccine effectiveness against both influenza A and B viruses was estimated to be 40 percent. In other words, it reduced your risk of having to seek medical care for the flu by 40 percent, according to the C.D.C.
Will I have to pay for my vaccine?
Most people with health insurance that complies with the Affordable Care Act are entitled to a flu shot without a co-payment or coinsurance. Be sure to check with your insurer; it may require you to get a shot from your doctor or specific providers.
Medicare beneficiaries’ flu shots are covered under Part B; beneficiaries pay nothing as long as the doctor or other provider accepts Medicare.
Medicaid covers flu shots for children and young adults through age 20. Adults eligible for Medicaid are also generally covered, though that can vary by state.
If you’re not covered, prices vary depending on the type of vaccine. Walgreens said that more than 90 percent of the customers it vaccinates are covered by insurance. Those who are not can expect to pay $40.99 for a quadrivalent shot, while both options for those 65 and older — the high-dose shot and the one with adjuvant — each cost $69.99.
At CVS, the quadrivalent is $41.99, and the high-dose shot is $66.99.
Rite Aid offers a standard trivalent flu vaccine for $34.99 and a quadrivalent shot for $39.99. For people over 65, it offers Fluad, which includes adjuvant, for $74.99.
