Sarah Bennett
Walgreens is a major pharmacy chain that has played a crucial role in administering COVID-19 vaccines to the public. While the COVID-19 vaccine is typically free of charge, some individuals have reported being charged for the vaccine at Walgreens and similar pharmacies, with costs ranging from $110 to $190 per dose. This discrepancy may be due to factors such as insurance coverage, Medicare updates, and varying state regulations. Walgreens employees have also expressed concerns about their workload, including vaccine administration, leading to strikes for higher pay and better working conditions. Overall, the availability and accessibility of the COVID-19 vaccine at Walgreens can be influenced by various factors, including federal and state regulations, insurance coverage, and the capacity of the pharmacy to manage vaccine demand.
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What You'll Learn
- Medicare Part B covers flu and pneumonia shots at Walgreens
- COVID-19 vaccines at Walgreens are not free
- Walgreens offers a \$25 gift card to those getting vaccinated
- Walgreens requires a prescription for COVID-19 vaccines in some states
- Walgreens offers other vaccines such as those for respiratory illnesses
Medicare Part B covers flu and pneumonia shots at Walgreens
Medicare Part B covers the pneumococcal vaccine at Walgreens, which includes PPSV23 and PCV13. PPSV23 protects against 23 types of pneumonia bacteria, while PCV13 protects against 13 types, including those most likely to cause serious illness.
Walgreens is a Medicare-enrolled provider and accepts assignment, meaning there is no coinsurance to pay. However, it is important to verify that your specific Medicare plan covers flu and pneumonia shots at Walgreens, as some plans may have different requirements or preferred providers.
It is recommended to bring your insurance information, a photo ID, and to complete any necessary forms in advance. While the vaccine itself may be free, there may be deductibles or co-insurance depending on your specific plan.
Medicare Advantage Plans (Part C) may have different rules than original Medicare (Parts A and B), so it is important to check with your plan to ensure your vaccine is covered at Walgreens.
It is worth noting that Medicare, Medicaid, and private insurance plans are mandated to cover the cost of COVID-19 vaccines, although there may be a delay in updating systems to cover the most recent vaccine versions.
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$18.99 $18.99
COVID-19 vaccines at Walgreens are not free
In 2025, there was uncertainty regarding COVID vaccine access at Walgreens, with the pharmacy scaling back vaccine distribution in more than a dozen states following federal guidelines that limited eligibility to seniors and high-risk groups. In certain states, Walgreens required a prescription to receive the vaccine, while in others, they stopped offering the shots altogether.
Despite the cost of the vaccine itself, there are incentives offered by other companies to encourage vaccination. For example, Walgreens offers a $25 gift card to those who get their COVID-19 vaccine at their pharmacy. Additionally, Target provides a $5 coupon, and Office Depot/Office Max offers free lamination of vaccine cards.
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Walgreens offers a \$25 gift card to those getting vaccinated
In a bid to encourage more people to get vaccinated, Walgreens offered a $25 gift card to those who received a COVID-19 vaccine at one of their pharmacies. This incentive was available from June 22 to 26, 2021, and was announced in support of President Biden's National Month of Action, which encouraged eligible adults to receive at least one coronavirus vaccine by July 4. The $25 gift card was also offered to parents or guardians of those aged 12 to 15, who could redeem the reward on behalf of their minor children.
It is worth noting that Medicare Part B covers flu shots at Walgreens, as well as the pneumococcal vaccine, with no deductible or co-pay required. However, there have been instances where Medicare has not yet updated its system to cover newly authorized COVID-19 vaccines, resulting in unexpected out-of-pocket expenses for some individuals. To avoid such situations, it is recommended to check with your insurance provider and the pharmacy beforehand to ensure coverage for the specific vaccine you are seeking.
Vaccination incentives have been implemented by various organizations and companies to encourage more people to get vaccinated. For example, the Houston Health Department offered a similar $25 gift card incentive for those who completed their vaccination process at one of their health centers or clinics. Additionally, the Adair County Health Department coordinated a COVID-19 vaccination incentive program, offering $50 gift cards to local Hy-Vee, Walgreens, and Walmart stores for those who received their first and second doses of the vaccine.
Furthermore, some companies have introduced incentives for their employees to receive COVID-19 vaccinations, such as paid time off for vaccination appointments and reimbursement for travel expenses. Overall, these incentives aim to promote vaccination and protect the health and safety of individuals and communities.
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Walgreens requires a prescription for COVID-19 vaccines in some states
In August 2025, CVS and Walgreens announced that they would require a prescription for COVID-19 vaccines in some states. This change was due to state guidelines that require approvals from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The companies will not offer vaccines in states where they cannot legally do so.
As of September 2025, 34 states allow pharmacies to offer the shots with FDA approval, while more than a dozen others require patients to have a prescription. In 16 states, patients may need a prescription from an authorized provider depending on their age and health status.
In some states, including Massachusetts, Nevada, and New Mexico, CVS cannot administer COVID-19 vaccines, even with a prescription, due to local regulations. Walgreens has confirmed that it will follow state rules and is "prepared to offer the vaccine in states where we are able to do so."
The cost of the COVID-19 vaccine at Walgreens varies depending on insurance coverage. Medicare, Medicaid, and private insurance plans are mandated to cover the cost of the shots. However, in some cases, individuals may need to pay out of pocket if their insurance has not yet updated its system to cover the vaccine.
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Walgreens offers other vaccines such as those for respiratory illnesses
Walgreens offers a range of vaccines for respiratory illnesses, providing protection against various viruses and bacteria. One notable vaccine offered by Walgreens is the AREXVY vaccine, which helps protect against RSV (respiratory syncytial virus). RSV is a respiratory virus that typically causes mild symptoms but can lead to severe respiratory tract infections, particularly in individuals aged 60 and older or those with underlying conditions such as asthma, COPD, or chronic heart failure. AREXVY is administered as a single dose into the muscle of the upper arm and can be an important precaution for those at risk of severe RSV infections.
In addition to AREXVY, Walgreens also offers vaccines for influenza, commonly known as the flu. Flu vaccines are especially important for the elderly and individuals with underlying health conditions, as they are more susceptible to contracting the flu and developing serious complications, such as pneumonia. Medicare Part B covers flu shots at Walgreens, and there is no deductible or coinsurance to pay. However, it is important to bring your insurance information and a photo ID when getting vaccinated.
Furthermore, Walgreens provides pneumococcal vaccines, which protect against pneumonia-causing bacteria. Medicare Part B also covers the pneumococcal vaccine, and Walgreens offers two types: PPSV23 and PCV13, which protect against 23 and 13 types of pneumonia bacteria, respectively. Again, individuals enrolled in Medicare Part B can receive this vaccine with no deductible or co-pay, making it more accessible to those who need it.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, Walgreens also played a significant role in administering COVID-19 vaccines. While Medicare, Medicaid, and private insurance plans are mandated to cover the cost of COVID-19 vaccines, there were instances where individuals had to pay out of pocket due to delays in updating payment systems. Nonetheless, Walgreens has been a convenient option for many individuals seeking COVID-19 vaccination.
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Frequently asked questions
No, Medicare Part B covers the flu shot at Walgreens. There is no deductible for flu shots, and as Walgreens is Medicare-enrolled and accepts assignment, there is no coinsurance to pay.
No, Medicare Part B covers the pneumococcal vaccine at Walgreens. As long as you are enrolled in Medicare Part B, you can get the pneumococcal vaccine without a deductible or co-pay.
It depends. Medicare, Medicaid, and private insurance plans are mandated to cover the cost of the COVID-19 vaccine. However, there have been reports of individuals being charged $190 for the vaccine at Walgreens due to Medicare not yet updating its system to cover the updated vaccine. If you are a myWalgreens member, you will receive a coupon for 20% off your next eligible purchase after getting the vaccine. Additionally, Walgreens offers a $25 gift card to parents of teens and tweens (ages 12-15) who get vaccinated.
