Flu Shots: Don't Wait Until You're Sick
Every year people say "I'll get the flu shot eventually" then boom, they're flat on their back for a week with the flu. Don't be that person. AV Chemist makes getting your flu shot ridiculously easy, walk in, no appointment, takes 10 minutes total, most insurance covers it at $0 copay.
Flu season runs September through March. Come in anytime. We've got standard flu shots and high-dose versions for seniors 65+. In and out in 10 minutes.
Flu Vaccine Options at AV Chemist
Standard Flu Vaccine:
- • Quadrivalent flu shot – Protects against 4 flu strains
- • Ages 6 months and older – Most common flu vaccine
- • $0 copay with most insurance – Medicare, Medicaid, commercial
- • Walk-ins welcome – No appointment needed
- • Quick service – 10-minute visit
High-Dose Flu Vaccine (Seniors):
- • Fluzone High-Dose – 4x stronger immune response
- • Ages 65 and older – Specifically for seniors
- • Better protection – More effective for older adults
- • Medicare covered – $0 copay with Part B
- • Recommended by CDC – Preferred for seniors
Why Get Your Flu Shot at a Queens Pharmacy?
Pharmacy Flu Shot Benefits:
- • No appointment needed – Walk in anytime during business hours
- • Fast service – In and out in 10 minutes
- • Extended hours – More convenient than doctor's office
- • Most insurance $0 copay – Medicare, Medicaid, commercial plans
- • Certified pharmacists – Trained in vaccine administration
- • Private area – Professional, comfortable setting
- • Official record card – CDC vaccination card provided
- • No doctor visit needed – Pharmacists can administer vaccines
When to Get Your Flu Shot
Flu Season Timeline:
- • September-October: Ideal time to get vaccinated before flu season peaks
- • November-December: Still beneficial, flu activity increasing
- • January-March: Not too late! Flu season can extend into spring
- • Best timing: Get vaccinated by end of October for optimal protection
- • Protection begins: 2 weeks after vaccination for full immunity
- • Duration: Protection lasts throughout the flu season (6-8 months)
CDC Recommendation: Everyone 6 months and older should get an annual flu vaccine.
How to Get a Flu Shot at AV Chemist
Simple Flu Shot Process:
- 1. Walk In or Call
No appointment needed! Walk in anytime, or call (929) 387-8111 to check availability
- 2. Bring Insurance Card
Most plans cover flu shots at $0 copay (Medicare Part B, Medicaid, commercial insurance)
- 3. Brief Health Screening
Pharmacist asks quick questions to ensure flu shot is safe for you
- 4. Receive Flu Vaccine
Quick injection in upper arm, takes 30 seconds
- 5. Get Vaccination Record
Receive CDC vaccination card for your records
Total time: Most flu shot visits take 10 minutes from check-in to completion.
Who Should Get a Flu Shot?
CDC Recommends Flu Shots For:
- • Everyone 6 months and older – Annual flu vaccination recommended
- • Seniors 65+ – Highest risk group (consider high-dose vaccine)
- • Pregnant women – Protects both mother and baby
- • Young children – Ages 6 months to 5 years at higher risk
- • Chronic conditions – Diabetes, heart disease, asthma, COPD
- • Healthcare workers – Protect yourself and patients
- • Caregivers – Protect vulnerable loved ones
- • Anyone who wants protection – Even healthy adults benefit
High-Dose Flu Vaccine for Queens Seniors
If you're 65 or older, Fluzone High-Dose provides better protection than standard flu vaccines:
High-Dose Flu Vaccine Benefits:
- • 4x higher antigen dose – Stronger immune response for aging immune systems
- • Better efficacy – 24% more effective at preventing flu in seniors (vs. standard dose)
- • Reduced hospitalizations – Lower risk of flu-related complications
- • Medicare covered – $0 copay with Medicare Part B
- • CDC preferred – Recommended over standard dose for 65+
- • Same safety profile – Well-tolerated with minimal side effects
Note: AV Chemist stocks both standard and high-dose flu vaccines to serve all age groups in Queens.
Insurance & Cost
$0 Copay Plans:
- • Medicare Part B (all beneficiaries)
- • Medicaid (NY Medicaid, managed care)
- • Most commercial insurance (Aetna, BCBS, UHC, etc.)
- • ACA marketplace plans
- • Many employer health plans
Without Insurance:
- • Standard flu shot: $30-40
- • High-dose (65+): $60-70
- • Still affordable protection
- • Call for exact pricing
Serving All Queens Neighborhoods
Walk-in flu shots available for residents throughout Queens:
Western Queens:
- • Glendale
- • Ridgewood
- • Middle Village
- • Maspeth
Central Queens:
- • Forest Hills
- • Rego Park
- • Elmhurst
- • Corona
All Queens Areas:
- • Flushing
- • Astoria
- • Jamaica
- • Everywhere!
What Queens Residents Say
"Got my flu shot at AV Chemist on my way home from work, walked in at 5:30 PM, no appointment, and was done in 8 minutes. Way better than trying to get an appointment at my doctor's office!"
– Michael D., Middle Village
Flu Shot FAQ
Do I need an appointment for a flu shot?
No appointment needed! Walk in anytime during business hours for your flu shot. If you prefer to schedule ahead, call (929) 387-8111.
How much does a flu shot cost?
Most insurance plans cover flu shots at $0 copay, including Medicare, Medicaid, and commercial insurance. Without insurance, standard flu shots are $30-40.
Should seniors get the high-dose flu vaccine?
Yes! The CDC recommends high-dose flu vaccine (Fluzone High-Dose) for adults 65 and older. It provides better protection and is covered by Medicare at $0 copay.
When is the best time to get a flu shot?
September through October is ideal timing. However, it's never too late, flu season can last through March, and vaccination provides protection within 2 weeks.