Are Flu Shots Worth the Money?

Photo by sylvar

We're barely half way through the flu season and many still haven't received their annual flu shots.

With all the focus on H1N1 (Swine Flu) inoculations, studies show many aren't getting their annual standard-flu shot this year. Price gouging by some pharmacies charging three times the standard price for the H1N1 vaccine has led some to forgo the less expensive and readily available standard-flu shot, leading to an increase in missed school and work days for the more common flu. The cost of missing work or having to stay home from work to nurse a sick child is far higher than the $5 to $30 cost for a standard flu shot.

In addition, the chances you'll be exposed to and contract standard flu this year are far higher than for H1N1.

The out-of-pocket price to fill the same H1N1 vaccine prescription can range wildly, from $43 to $130. Although attorneys general in several states are investigating the situation, the gouging continues, so it pays to shop around for the best price. Many county health departments have established inexpensive or free mass clinics for H1N1 inoculation. Granted, you may have to wait in line for some time, but it can be time well spent for those at risk. 

Standard-flu shots are widely available, far less expensive than the H1N1 inoculation, and easier to find. Many drugstores and pharmacies within supermarkets can give you a flu shot within minutes, sometimes offering a discount on future purchases with each shot. You also can receive a flu shot through a doctor's office, health clinic and some community organizations. The American Lung Association offers a flu shot locator by zip code, including hours of service.

You should particularly consider getting a flu shot if you have a chronic illness as it can lead to complications including pneumonia, dehydration and aggravation of such conditions as asthma, diabetes and heart failure. Costs related to medical care for these problems will far exceed the cost of the flu shot. 

You should especially get a flu shot if you're:

1. Aged 6 to 24 months old. 
2. Aged 6 months to 18 years on aspirin prescriptions.
3. Over 65, particularly if you live in resident care or nursing home. 
4. A health care providers and out-of-home caregivers. 
5. Pregnant or may become pregnant. 
6. Age 2 to 65 with such chronic health conditions as diabetes or asthma. 

Those who shouldn't receive standard flu shots include:

1. Anyone with an egg allergy.
2. People who previously had a serious reaction to a flu shot.
3. People who are sick and feverish (may receive a shot after recovery)
4. Children under 6 months of age.
5. Anyone who has previously developed Guillain-Barré syndrome within 6 months after a flu shot.