How much does the shingles vaccine cost?
How much does the shingles vaccine cost?
$180 – $250 average cost per dose without insurance
$360 – $500 average cost for full two-dose vaccine series
Shingles vaccine cost
The shingles vaccine costs $180 to $250 per dose without insurance or $360 to $500 total for the full two-dose vaccine regimen. Medicare Part D and 96% of health insurance plans cover the full cost of the shingles vaccine with no copay or deductible.
A medical professional administers the shingles vaccine in a two-dose series, with the second shot given 2 to 6 months after the first. You must get both doses for the vaccine to be fully effective.
| National Average Cost | $430 |
| Minimum Cost | $300 |
| Maximum Cost | $550 |
| Average Range | $360 to $500* |
*For the full two-dose vaccine series
The shingles vaccine is called Shingrix in the U.S.
What is a shingles infection?
Shingles is an infection caused by the varicella zoster virus, the same virus that causes chickenpox. The virus remains in your body after you get chickenpox and can reactivate later to cause a shingles infection.
Shingles causes painful rashes, which most commonly appear on only one side of the face or body. A shingles rash on the face can spread to your eyes and cause permanent vision loss. The virus can also cause severe long-term nerve pain, hearing problems, brain inflammation, and pneumonia.
Other symptoms of shingles include:
Headache
Fever
Chills
Upset stomach
More than 99% of Americans born in 1980 or later have had chickenpox, even if they don't remember it. You can get the shingles vaccine even if you do not remember having had chickenpox in the past.
Why should I get the shingles vaccine?
Vaccination is the only protection against the shingles infection and its complications. Postherpetic neuralgia (PHN) is the most common complication that occurs in shingles patients. PHN causes acute burning pain in the nerves and skin that lasts long after the shingles rash goes away.
A shingles infection can also cause blindness, hearing loss, and other permanent damage.
The vaccine is 97% effective in preventing shingles in adults aged 50 to 69 and 91% effective in adults aged 70 and older.
Shingles vaccine FAQs
Who should get the shingles vaccine?
The CDC and vaccine manufacturer recommend the shingles vaccine for all adults aged 50 years or older and immunocompromised adults aged 19 or older.
In addition, consider getting vaccinated if you meet any of these criteria:
You received Zostavax, a shingles vaccine that was taken off the market in 2020 after research showed it wasn't as effective as originally thought
You received a varicella (chickenpox) vaccine
You've had shingles in the past
You've had chickenpox in the past
You should not get the shingles vaccine if you are pregnant or currently have shingles.
How likely are you to get shingles?
According to the CDC, about 1 in every 3 Americans will get shingles in their lifetime. There are approximately 1 million cases of the infection in the U.S. each year. Though you can get shingles at any age, the risk increases as you get older.
What are the side effects of the shingles vaccine?
The side effects of the shingles vaccine are typically mild and may include:
Soreness, redness, or swelling at the injection site
Tiredness
Muscle aches
Headache
Upset stomach
Fever
Shivering
Severe reactions are much less common and may include:
Rapid heartbeat
Dizziness or weakness
Difficulty breathing, or swelling of the face and throat
Hives
If you experience any of these severe reactions, seek medical attention immediately.
Does Medicare cover the shingles vaccine?
Medicare Part D prescription drug plans cover the shingles vaccine. Medicare Part A and Part B do not cover the vaccine.
Is Shingrix covered by insurance?
Shingrix is covered by 96% of health insurance companies, with no copay or deductible charged to the patient.
Where can I get the shingles vaccine?
You can get the shingles vaccine at pharmacies, your doctor's office, and travel clinics. Your doctor's office may charge a copay for the visit even if your insurance covers the cost of the vaccine.
How long does the shingles vaccine last?
According to the CDC, patients can expect up to 7 years of immunity after receiving the second dose of the shingles vaccine.
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