Disclaimer: This article is for educational purposes only and no material in this article is meant to substitute as professional medical advice. Always consult your doctor or qualified health professional for personalized medical advice regarding any treatment or vaccinations.
Like it or not, getting older is a reality we all face. And it’s important to take care of ourselves, and hopefully prevent avoidable issues that can develop as we age. One of those is Shingles. Also known as herpes zoster, this viral infection causes a painful rash.
This rash generally develops on one side of the face or body, starting as red bumps that turn into fluid-filled blisters. Shingles can even affect the eyes, causing pain, redness, and vision problems, and can lead to complications like glaucoma, cataracts, and scarring.
The most common complication of shingles is called postherpetic neuralgia (PHN). As the rash and blisters of shingles go away, the person is often left with long-lasting skin pain. This pain can last for months or even years.
Shingles is caused by the varicella-zoster virus, which is the same virus that causes chickenpox. After an individual has chickenpox, the virus stays in the body for years. As you age, the virus may reactivate and cause shingles.
Because about 1 in 3 people in the U.S. will develop shingles sometime in their life, it’s important to get a shingles vaccine for the prevention of this illness. The shingles vaccine is called Shingrix. Being fully vaccinated with Shingrix (a two-dose series) helps protect against both shingles and the chronic pain that can last long after blisters have healed.
How Much Does the Shingles Vaccine Cost Without Insurance?
Without insurance, Shingrix costs $197.90(although prices vary based on pharmacy and if you use a discount card from our partner, SingleCare). Since two doses are required, it could cost $395.80 to be fully vaccinated without insurance.
Does Medicare Cover Shingles Vaccines?
The good news is that about 96% of insured patients receive the two-dose series for free, according to Shingrix manufacturer GlaxoSmithKline. More good news — 100% of people with prescription Medicare coverage through Medicare Part D or a Medicare Advantage plan can get Shingrix at no cost. This is due to The Inflation Reduction Act, which eliminated all out-of-pocket costs for recommended vaccines covered by Medicare Part D as of January 1, 2023.
Note that Medicare Part A and B do not pay for the shingles vaccine. Shingrix must be billed through your prescription coverage via Medicare Part D.
More than 95% of Medicare Part D patients who receive Shingrix are vaccinated at a pharmacy because most physician offices cannot bill for vaccines through Medicare Part D. If you prefer a Shingrix vaccine at your doctor’s office, ask if they can bill Medicare Part D before you get the vaccine. If not, you may have to pay out of pocket.
Who Should Get the Shingles Vaccine?
Shingrix is FDA-approved for use in all adults 50 years or older. It can also be used in adults 18 years and older who are (or will be) at risk for getting shingles due to a lower ability to fight infections and other diseases caused by medication or a medical condition.
The vaccine is given as a two-dose series, injected into the upper-arm muscle. After the first dose is given, the second dose is usually given anywhere from two to six months later.
If needed, the second dose can be given one or two months after the first dose for people who require a shorter vaccination schedule, according to the prescribing information.
You can ask your healthcare provider for medical advice if you’re unsure which is best for you.
Who Should Not Get the Shingles Vaccine?
You should not be vaccinated with Shingrix if:
- You’ve ever had a severe allergic reaction to any ingredient in the vaccine or after a dose of Shingrix.
- You currently have a shingles infection.
- You’re currently pregnant.
- You have a moderate to severe illness – wait until you feel better before getting the vaccine.
Benefits of the Shingles Vaccine
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), two Shingrix doses provide strong protection against both shingles and postherpetic neuralgia (PHN).
Risks of the Shingles Vaccine
As with any medication or vaccine, side effects may occur. These may include pain, redness, and swelling at the injection site (upper arm). Other common side effects may include muscle pain, fatigue, headache, fever, chills, and stomach problems such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and stomach pain.
The CDC reminds patients that Shingrix is safe, and temporary side effects mean that your body is working hard to protect itself against shingles. You may not feel up to your normal activities for two or three days, but symptoms generally go away on their own by the third day. People who experience side effects can take over-the-counter pain medicine such as Tylenol (acetaminophen) or Motrin (ibuprofen). A serious nervous system disorder called Guillain-Barre syndrome (GBS) has occurred in rare cases in patients who received Shingrix — although GBS can also occur in rare cases after having shingles.
You can report Shingrix side effects to the Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting System (VAERS) website. You can also talk with your healthcare provider if you have any concerns or questions about the vaccine.
Other Ways to Save on the Shingles Vaccine
If you do not have Shingrix coverage through Medicare or other insurance plans, there are other ways to save:
- Use the free prescription savings card from our partner SingleCare for Shingles discounts at a pharmacy near you.
- Call your local health department to see if they offer free or discounted Shingrix vaccines.
- Check GlaxoSmithKline’s gskforyou.com website to learn more about the manufacturer’s patient assistance program options. Eligibility and income requirements apply.