Flu Vaccine Now Available for Uninsured Adults at No Cost

Twenty-three Albertsons and Safeway pharmacies across the state will offer flu vaccine free of charge through June 2021 to uninsured adults.

The WA Department of Health is collaborating with Safeway Inc. and Albertsons Companies LLC to offer no-cost influenza (flu) vaccination for uninsured adults over the age of 18 to help prevent flu illness during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Nearby participating locations include:

Find the full list of participating locations on the department’s website. Many King County clinics, including Community Health Centers and some Public Health Centers, also vaccinate uninsured and underinsured individuals if they enroll as patients.

The Safeway and Albertsons pharmacies will not charge an administration fee, and no proof of residency or immigration status will be required.

Adults who have insurance should also get vaccinated now.

Click here for Mercer Island pharmacy locations and hours. The flu vaccine for those age 19 and older is covered by most insurance companies and by Medicare and Apple Health (Medicaid) and Washington provides flu vaccine, and all recommended vaccines, at no cost to everyone under the age of 19.

Why get the flu vaccine? Everyone 6 months and older needs a new flu vaccine every year. Young children, pregnant women, people with underlying health conditions, and those aged 65 and older are at high risk of complications from flu illness. Flu is a highly contagious disease that can cause mild to severe illness, can lead to hospitalization, and can even be fatal – even in healthy young adults. Getting a flu vaccine reduces your chances of getting the flu but does not prevent other respiratory infections.

For help finding a health care provider or vaccine location, and to learn more about flu, visit www.KnockOutFlu.org