When money is tight, you have to look for savings anywhere you can find them. The annual flu shot seems like an obvious place to start. By simply avoiding the jab, you pocket anywhere between $25 and $75, depending on where you live.
But these upfront savings mean very little if you catch the flu. You’ll spend much more than that if you miss work, see doctors, or worse — deal with complications.
How Much Does the Flu Cost?
According to the CDC, most people take a few days to less than two weeks to recover from the flu. During that time, you might have to call off sick while you rest at home.
Unfortunately, nearly one quarter (24%) of Americans don’t have paid sick days — which means taking any time off comes at a cost.
Let’s crunch those numbers. The average worker in the US earns $29.81 an hour. At that rate, you would lose roughly $1,034 by staying home for a week without paid sick days. This wage loss happens at the same time you have to spend more money on over-the-counter drugs or doctor’s visits.
The flu can also develop into serious or life-threatening illnesses, such as bronchitis, sinus infections, and pneumonia. On average, a single day spent at the hospital can rack up a bill of $2,271.
While you might have insurance to help with these medical expenses, everyone can agree that it’s better to avoid the hospital whenever possible.
You Should Add the Flu Shot to Your Annual Budget
If the upfront cost of a flu shot is too much for your budget, consider spreading it out over the entire year. You might find it easier to save a portion of the cost each month by comparison.
To afford a $75 flu shot by next December, you would only have to save $6.25 every month — that’s the equivalent of one fancy latte, a pack of socks, or a makeup palette. If you can justify these small purchases throughout the year, you can save some money for your flu shot, too.
Consider Bridging the Gap with an Online Loan
You can start saving for the next flu season right now to lock in on that cheap $6.25 monthly installment.
But what about this season’s shot? Don’t be hard on yourself if you didn’t realize you should be saving for this expense.
If you don’t have the savings this year, you can consider getting an online personal loan or line of credit. You can research how to get money now through an online loan, figuring out what you need to qualify. Many online direct lenders provide simple and quick applications, so you can find out if you’re approved without delay.
Search for the Cheapest Shot
Don’t just walk into your nearest drugstore without researching your options first. What you spend to be inoculated can vary drastically from one pharmacy to the next. A little online browsing can help you locate the pharmacy with the cheapest option.
To zero in on your cheapest local drug store, visit the GoodRx Flu Vaccine Program today. This free online service helps you find discounts offered by nationwide pharmacy brands.
A Dose of the Flu Shot is Cheaper Than the Cost of Getting Sick
The flu shot can be expensive when you’re on a shoestring budget, but it’s nothing compared to the cost of being sick. Save yourself unexpected medical expenses by getting the jab.
In Conclusion
While the upfront cost of a flu shot might seem like an extra burden on a tight budget, the potential savings are significant compared to the financial toll of falling ill. The expense of missed work, medical treatments, and possible hospitalization can far surpass the cost of preventive measures.
It’s advisable to consider the long-term financial impact and incorporate the flu shot into your annual budget. Spreading the cost over the year or exploring online loans for immediate coverage can help bridge the financial gap. Remember to research and find the most cost-effective options for the flu shot, as the investment in prevention is ultimately more economical than dealing with the consequences of illness.
