Who pays for flu shots?

Many health care providers have already started giving flu shots this season. With all of the talk about H1N1 (swine) flu, you may be wondering whether you should get a flu shot and how you'll pay for it.

First, it's important to remember that the seasonal flu shot doesn't protect against H1N1 flu. So if you get the flu shot being given now, you have to go back for the H1N1 shot when it becomes available later this year. Second, you'll have to decide whether you actually want the H1N1 shot. That depends upon your personal health history, such as whether you are pregnant or have a chronic condition like kidney disease or diabetes that may make you more susceptible to the H1N1 flu.

You also have to consider whether you work around a lot of children, elderly folks, or in a hospital or other setting where you come into contact with a lot of people who are considered to be at high risk of contracting the flu.

So who pays for the shots? The government is paying for the cost of the H1N1 vaccine this year. But large insurers in Illinois and Missouri have said they will cover the costs of H1N1 flu shots, and other insurers may follow suit. Anyone who isn't sure if their health plan covers flu shots should contact their insurer before getting one.

People who don't have insurance should check around in their local community to see if there are going to be any free flu shots available. Some local governments may organize free flu shot clinics. Also, Walgreens and CVS stores are offering free flu shots for people who are unemployed.

If you don't have any luck with getting a free shot, you can always pay for one. I saw a sign in a local pharmacy the other day advertising seasonal flu shots for $25.

You can get more information on the H1N1 flu from the Centers for Disease Control.