Where to get flu and COVID-19 vaccines and tests in Alexandria now

Alexandria is no longer offering free flu and COVID-19 vaccines or tests, but residents still have options.

Flu shots are still available in Alexandria at the health department, a community health center, and local pharmacies. COVID-19 vaccines and tests may be available at pharmacies and clinics. But the city is no longer giving them away for free.

What you pay depends on where you go, and whether you have insurance.

For residents without coverage, the cheapest flu shot is at the health department; $23.84 for adults and $11 for children, or less on an income-based scale. Pharmacies like Walgreens, Safeway, Giant, and CVS charge $ 31.99 to $74.99, and Walgreens has a limited number of free vouchers.

The health department is not offering COVID-19 vaccines or any tests, so those must come from a primary care provider, pharmacy, or clinic.

“My family relied on the free services the city used to provide during sick season, especially since we have a big family,” said Maria H., an Alexandria resident who asked that her full name be left out for privacy reasons. “I have adult kids, and they have kids. Most of them don’t have insurance for different reasons.”

The Alexandria Health Department ended its free flu and COVID-19 vaccines and tests on Oct. 5.

“The change was driven by supply,” said Eve Elliot, the department’s director. A Virginia Department of Health program the city used to order free tests ended, “thus ending AHD’s supply of free tests for our community,” said Elliot. It is the first flu season without free shots and tests for everyone in the city.

Where to go, and what it costs

Prices are for people without insurance.

Alexandria Department of Health

The city’s Health Department requires appointments. To use the sliding scale, residents must bring proof of income and proof of residency. “Depending on the income and family size, patients may pay between 10% and 100% of the cost,” Elliot said. Residents who want to be screened may call ahead for wait times and what documents to bring.

Children with Medicaid can still get flu shots at the health department, although, “the department encourages families to see their child’s primary care provider when possible, so the child can get the shot along with other routine preventive care,” said Elliot.

The demand for flu shots is strong.

“The department has seen more clients coming in, both adults and children,” said Elliot. “We’re glad to see people taking steps to protect their health and are here to support more clients as they prepare for a healthy season,” she said.

Community health center

Neighborhood Health, which has several Alexandria locations, prices its flu and COVID-19 vaccines on a sliding scale based on income, a staff member said by phone. The clinic accepts most primary care insurance plans but is not taking new patients until the beginning of November.

Pharmacies

An Alexandria CVS pharmacist, who asked not to be named, said the store wants to help uninsured customers.

“We try our best to get you the best and affordable prices, especially with discount cards like GoodRX,” the pharmacist said.

Local Walgreens are offering single use, limited number of free voucher coupons for those without insurance.

Residents with insurance generally pay nothing for vaccines.

Tests

For flu and COVID-19 tests, residents can go to primary care offices, urgent care clinics, or pharmacy clinics.

Previously, the health department ordered thousands of test kits a year, “roughly 3,500 in 2024 and 4,000 in 2025,” Elliot said. Many were handed out for free through Alexandria City Libraries as part of a partnership with the health department that has now ended.

“During sick season, the tests would be gone in an instant,” said Jean G., a fiscal analyst for the library system. She said the library hasn’t received complaints since the partnership ended, but that it’s early.

What residents are saying

Maria said she understood why the city adjusted its fees, but that proving income could be a problem. “People don’t realize even having to pay $20 for a vaccine is a stretch. And with the political climate and job insecurities, I think it’s unfortunate,” said Maria.

On a Nextdoor forum for Alexandria residents, a user who goes by Emma D., asked where neighbors go to get affordable flu shots. Her local pharmacy was charging “over $50,” she wrote, and she did not have active insurance.

Throughout the 100 comments, many neighbors recommended chain stores and local pharmacies saying their shots were free with insurance.

Another user, Gera C., pointed to a different option. “Every state has a Department of Health with regional offices where uninsured people can get basic care,” she wrote.

Not everyone thought the pharmacy advice helped. Chelsea A., a health care worker wrote, “vaccines are only free to people with insurance,” because health plans are required to cover them without a copay.

“Nothing in healthcare is free,” Chelsea A., wrote.

The changes mark a shift for the city.

The health department hosted a free flu shot clinic in October 2024, according to its website, and handed out free test kits through the library system in 2025. Now the department is charging uninsured adults, and the state program that supplied the tests has ended.

Elected officials did not respond to requests for comment.

“For the uninsured and underinsured, it isn’t just ‘go to [shots available here,]” Chelsea A. wrote. “If you don’t have insurance, there are genuinely limited options unless you can pay out of pocket, and most simply choose to go without.”