Most people in the United States pay nothing out of pocket for a COVID-19 vaccine. Private insurance, Medicare, and Medicaid all cover it at no cost. If you’re uninsured, though, the retail price ranges from roughly $150 to $200 per dose, plus an administration fee. Several programs exist to reduce or eliminate that cost.
Cost With Private Insurance
Under the Affordable Care Act, all Marketplace and employer-sponsored health plans cover the updated 2025–2026 COVID-19 vaccines at zero cost to you, as long as you go to an in-network provider. That means no copay, no deductible, no coinsurance. If you visit an out-of-network provider, your plan is not required to waive those costs, so check your network before booking an appointment.
One thing to watch for: if you receive other medical services during the same visit, you may still owe a copay or deductible for those additional services. The vaccine itself, though, is fully covered.
Cost With Medicare
Medicare Part B covers the updated Moderna, Pfizer, and Novavax COVID-19 vaccines with no cost sharing. You pay nothing as long as your provider accepts Medicare assignment, which most do. If you’re enrolled in a Medicare Advantage plan, you’ll need to use an in-network provider to get the vaccine at no charge. Use your plan card rather than your red, white, and blue Medicare card when you check in.
Full Retail Price Without Insurance
Without any insurance or assistance program, the vaccine’s list price depends on the manufacturer and the specific dose. Based on CMS national payment allowances for the 2025–2026 season:
- Pfizer (adult dose, ages 12+): approximately $168
- Moderna (adult dose, ages 12+): approximately $162
- Moderna (pediatric dose, ages 6 months–11 years): approximately $147
On top of the vaccine itself, providers typically charge an administration fee for actually giving you the shot. This varies by location and can add $20 to $40 or more. Contact your pharmacy or clinic in advance to confirm total pricing, because it does vary.
Options If You’re Uninsured
The federal Bridge Access Program, which previously provided free COVID vaccines to uninsured adults through pharmacies, ended in August 2024 when the 2023–2024 formula vaccines expired. No direct federal replacement currently exists for uninsured adults, but several alternatives can help.
Many state and local health departments still offer free or low-cost COVID vaccines. Availability depends on where you live and how much supply your local program has received. Calling your county or city health department is the fastest way to find out what’s available near you.
Pfizer also runs a Patient Assistance Program for vaccines, which provides the vaccine for free through a doctor’s office to eligible patients who have no prescription or medical insurance. Your prescriber needs to call Pfizer directly at 1-866-706-2400 to enroll you. Age and other eligibility restrictions apply.
Cost for Children
Children 18 and under have broader access to free vaccines through the federal Vaccines for Children (VFC) program. Your child qualifies if they meet any one of these criteria:
- Medicaid-eligible
- Uninsured
- Underinsured (insurance that doesn’t cover vaccines, has copays for vaccines, or caps vaccine payments)
- American Indian or Alaska Native
There is no charge for the vaccine itself under VFC. Providers can charge an administration fee, but they cannot turn your child away if you’re unable to pay it. Underinsured children specifically need to receive VFC vaccines at a Federally Qualified Health Center or Rural Health Clinic rather than a standard pharmacy.
Children with private insurance that fully covers vaccines will get the shot at no cost under the same ACA rules that apply to adults, through any in-network provider.
Where to Get Vaccinated
Most major pharmacies (CVS, Walgreens, Rite Aid, Costco) offer COVID vaccines and can bill your insurance directly. Doctor’s offices and urgent care clinics also administer them. If you’re uninsured, start with your local health department or a Federally Qualified Health Center, as these are most likely to offer free or reduced-cost doses. You can search for nearby options at vaccines.gov.