How to Get a Flu Shot at Costco

Book your Costco flu shot through the pharmacy counter or the Costco website

You can schedule a flu shot at Costco in two ways: walk into the pharmacy during business hours and ask, or book online through Costco.com if your location offers that option. Not every Costco pharmacy has the same scheduling system, so calling ahead to your local pharmacy is the fastest way to find out whether you can reserve a time or whether they work on a first-come, first-served basis.

When you call, have your membership number ready and ask whether the flu vaccine is currently in stock. Costco pharmacies typically receive new shipments throughout the flu season, which runs from September through March, but availability varies by location and by week. If your pharmacy is temporarily out of stock, ask when the next delivery is expected.

You do not need to be a Costco member to receive a flu shot at the pharmacy — Costco pharmacies are open to the public. However, if you are a member, you may see a slightly lower price on the vaccine itself, depending on your state and your membership tier.

Key Takeaways

• Call your local Costco pharmacy directly to ask whether you can book online or need to walk in, since scheduling varies by location.
• You do not need a Costco membership to receive a flu shot, though members may pay less in some states.
• Bring your insurance card if you have one, though many pharmacies can bill Medicare or commercial insurance on the spot.
• The appointment usually takes 10 to 15 minutes from check-in to leaving, and you can walk in without a reservation at most locations.
• Costco pharmacies are typically open seven days a week, including evenings and weekends, which makes scheduling easier than many doctor's offices.

What to bring to your Costco flu shot appointment

Bring your insurance card if you have one. Costco pharmacies can bill most commercial insurance plans and Medicare directly at the time of your visit, so you may pay nothing out of pocket. If you do not have insurance, ask the pharmacy staff what the cash price is — it varies slightly by location but is generally between $30 and $50.

You should also bring a photo ID and your membership card if you are a member. The pharmacy staff will ask for your date of birth and address to confirm your identity and create or update your pharmacy record. If this is your first time at a Costco pharmacy, they will ask a few basic health questions on a form before the shot.

Wear loose, short-sleeved clothing or clothing you can easily roll up, since the shot goes into your upper arm. You do not need to fast or prepare in any other way — you can eat and drink normally before your appointment.

Health screening questions you will answer

Before you receive the flu shot, a pharmacy technician or pharmacist will ask you to complete a short health questionnaire. This is a standard safety step at all pharmacies. The questions cover allergies (especially to eggs or any vaccine ingredients), whether you have had a severe reaction to a flu shot before, whether you are currently sick with a fever, and whether you are taking any blood thinners or have any conditions that affect your immune system.

Answer these questions honestly and completely. If you have had a bad reaction to a flu shot in the past, tell the pharmacist before they administer the vaccine — they may recommend a different formulation or decide to refer you to your doctor instead. If you are currently running a fever or feel very ill, the pharmacy may ask you to come back when you are feeling better, since the vaccine works better when your body is not already fighting an infection.

If you are unsure whether any of your medications or conditions matter, mention them. The pharmacist can tell you whether it is safe to proceed or whether you should check with your doctor first.

Timing and what happens during the appointment

Plan to spend 15 to 20 minutes at the pharmacy from the moment you arrive. This includes checking in, completing the health form, having the pharmacist review your information, receiving the shot, and sitting for a few minutes afterward to make sure you feel fine. The actual injection takes less than a minute.

After the shot, the pharmacy staff will give you a vaccination record card that shows the date, the type of flu vaccine you received, the lot number, and the location where you got it. Keep this card — you may need it for your doctor's records or for work or school documentation. Many pharmacies also send a digital copy to your email if you provide one.

You can return to normal activities immediately. There is no need to rest or avoid exercise. Some people experience mild soreness at the injection site or a slight low-grade fever in the hours after the shot, but these effects are normal and usually fade within a day or two.

Insurance billing and out-of-pocket costs

Most insurance plans cover the flu shot with no copay, meaning you pay nothing at the pharmacy. This includes Medicare Part B and most commercial plans. Medicaid coverage varies by state, so if you are on Medicaid, ask the pharmacy staff whether your state plan covers the flu vaccine before you receive it.

If you do not have insurance or your plan does not cover vaccines, Costco pharmacies typically charge between $30 and $50 for the standard flu shot. Some locations offer a slightly higher price for the high-dose vaccine, which is recommended for people over 65. Ask the pharmacy which vaccines are available and what each one costs before you decide.

If you are uninsured and cost is a concern, some community health centers and public health departments offer free or low-cost flu shots during the season. You can search for locations near you through the CDC's vaccine finder tool or by calling your local health department.

Costco pharmacy hours and location finder

Costco pharmacies are typically open Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m., Saturday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., though hours vary by location. Some warehouses have extended pharmacy hours during peak flu season. Check your local Costco's website or call the pharmacy directly to confirm hours before you go.

To find your nearest Costco pharmacy, go to Costco.com and use the warehouse locator tool. Enter your zip code and you will see a list of nearby locations with their addresses and phone numbers. Call the pharmacy line directly — do not call the main warehouse number, since the call may not reach the pharmacy department quickly.

If you live in a rural area or far from a Costco, remember that you can also receive a flu shot at other pharmacy chains like Walgreens, CVS, or Safeway, or at your doctor's office, an urgent care clinic, or a local health department.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I book a Costco flu shot appointment online?

Some Costco locations allow online booking through Costco.com, but not all do. Call your local pharmacy to ask whether they offer online scheduling. Many locations work on a walk-in basis and do not take reservations, so calling ahead is the best way to find out what to expect.

Do I need a Costco membership to get a flu shot?

No. Costco pharmacies are open to the public, and you do not need a membership to receive a vaccine. However, members may pay a slightly lower price in some states. Ask the pharmacy staff what the price is for members versus non-members when you call.

What if I have a severe egg allergy?

Most flu vaccines contain a tiny amount of egg protein because they are grown in eggs. Tell the pharmacist about your allergy before the shot. Costco pharmacies may have egg-free or low-egg flu vaccines available, or they can refer you to your doctor to discuss which vaccine is safest for you.

How long does immunity from the flu shot last?

Flu shot immunity typically lasts about one season, which is why you need a new shot each year. The flu virus changes from year to year, so the vaccine is reformulated annually to match the strains expected that season. You can receive a new flu shot each fall or winter.

What should I do if I have a reaction after the shot?

Mild reactions like arm soreness, low-grade fever, or fatigue are normal and usually go away within a day or two. Serious reactions are rare. If you experience severe swelling, difficulty breathing, or chest pain, call 911 or go to an emergency room. Report any reaction to your doctor and to the pharmacy where you received the shot.