Walgreens Co. is now offering flu vaccines at its stores during almost anytime the pharmacies and clinics are open.
Except for some limits on availability at 24-hour pharmacies, flu shots are available during open-hours at Walgreens’ pharmacies and clinics in its 7,500 stores, the company said.

The company said the vaccines are available effective immediately. Duane Reade stores, now part of Walgreens, will sell flu shots starting September.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends the vaccine for everyone older than six months. The 2010-2011 flu vaccine protects against swine flu, influenza B and the H3N2 flu strain.
At Walgreens, the cost for a flu shot at for people without insurance is $29.99, and the price of FluMist Intranasal Spray is $34.90.

Medicare Part B covers the flu shots, and Walgreen announced that health insurers UnitedHealth Group Inc. and Cigna Corp. will cover shots for members nationwide. Other medical insurance carriers will also cover the cost when the customer gets vaccination.

Customers do not need to make an appointment to get the shots, but the company said customers can save time by going to http://www.walgreens.com/flu and filling out a flu shot form before they visit the store. That option does not apply to shots administered at Take Care Clinics or Duane Reade stores.