Should you get vaccinated? Flu and COVID-19 guidance, where to go

With all of the divisiveness and varying guidance around vaccinations, it can be difficult to discern whether or not to get a certain shot.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s panel of vaccine advisers opted not to give any recommendation on the 2025-26 COVID-19 vaccine, saying instead it’s an individual choice. Meanwhile, the Minnesota Department of Health and other major health organizations have endorsed the vaccine.

RELATED: MDH endorses COVID-19 vaccine based on guidance of medical associations, not feds

It’s also flu season, though, and respiratory viruses are starting to circulate. So, what do you need?

Recommendations

The bottom line is that it’s always an individual choice.

For those seeking some guidance this year, below (and here) are the recommendations from MDH, the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP), and the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG).

25-26 Vaccine RecsDownload

Some people may need more than one dose based on age, health status, and the product, MDH says.

The FDA has approved four COVID-19 vaccines — Comirnaty (Pfizer/BioNTech), Mnexspike (Moderna), Nuvaxovid (Novavax) and Spikevax (Moderna) — this year from three manufacturers.

Cost

Most insurance plans still cover the majority of common vaccinations, despite changes in federal guidance.

That means COVID-19 shots, just like flu and RSV vaccinations, will be free for most insured people. However, you can check with your local clinic when scheduling an appointment to make sure you’re covered.

For the uninsured, COVID shots can cost more than $200, and some clinics may charge an administrative fee of around $10-$25 (even for insured patients).

Pricing will vary by product, eligibility and location but, again, you can check on costs in advance when scheduling an appointment.

Minnesota also has programs to help ensure free or low-cost shots for those in need. The Minnesota Vaccines for Children (MnVFC) program covers kids 18 and under who are uninsured, Medicaid eligible, underinsured or American Indian/Alaska Native. The Uninsured and Underinsured Adult Vaccine Program (UUAV), as its name suggests, helps those over 18 who lack insurance or are underinsured.

Residents don’t have to enroll in those programs, they simply must go to any participating clinic. Administrative fees are still likely for those patients.

Where to go?

For those who decide to get the flu, COVID-19 and/or the RSV vaccines, there are a lot of ways to get the shot. Some even offer rewards for vaccinations.

While not a complete list, some of the places offering vaccines include:

A local pharmacy or clinic.

HealthPartners, Park Nicollet, Allina, Fairview and other major health organizations.

Local health departments, like county-run health centers, although some may charge a $10-$25 administration fee.

You can visit your local Hy-Vee Pharmacy for a flu shot with no appointment needed — plus, you’ll receive a 20-cent Hy-Vee Fuel Saver reward.

CVS customers get $2 in ExtraBucks Rewards for each vaccine (if rewards members), or a $10 off $20 coupon when you receive a COVID-19 vaccine. CVS locations inside Target stores also qualify and can earn additional Target coupons for vaccinations.

Walgreens customers can get any vaccine and get a coupon for 20% off their next eligible purchase as a myWalgreens member.

Other stores like Cub and Walmart pharmacies also offer flu and COVID-19 vaccines at no cost with most insurances but aren’t currently offering rewards.

To find locations close to you, use MDH’s Vaccine Map.

For more guidance on immunizations, click here.
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