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CostHelper > Health & Personal Care  > Vaccinations > Shingles Vaccine

Shingles Vaccine Cost

How Much Does Shingles Vaccine Cost?
 
low costLow: With Insurance $10-$50 Copayhigh costWithout Insurance: $200-$250

Also called zoster, shingles is a painful, blistery skin rash that can occur in people who have had chickenpox in the past. To help prevent shingles, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends a one-time vaccination (brand name Zostavax[1] ) for people 60 and older.

Typical costs:

  • For patients not covered by health insurance, the cost of a shingles vaccination typically includes: a shot administration fee and the cost of the single required dose of vaccine and in some cases (if your own doctor does not offer the shingles vaccination and you are unable to get it during a routine doctor visit) a doctor visit or consultation fee, for a total of about $200 to $250. For example, The Shot Nurse[2] , a mobile vaccination service in Tennessee, charges $205. Walgreens' Take Care Clinics[3] charge about $220.
  • All Medicare Part D plans cover the shingles vaccine, as do many private health insurance plans. For patients covered by health insurance, typical expenses include a doctor visit copay and, in some cases, a copay for the vaccine. For example, under a North Carolina health plan[4] for retired state employees, patients pay a doctor-visit copay, but the vaccine is covered 100 percent.
Related articles: Health Insurance, Meningitis Vaccine, Hepatitis Vaccine, Tetanus Diphtheria Vaccine, Polio Vaccine, Travel Vaccinations

What should be included:
  • For the shingles vaccination, also known by the brand name Zostavax, the health care provider will administer a single shot.
  • The shingles vaccine is not 100 percent effective. It is most effective in people aged 60 to 69, and it prevents shingles about 50 percent the time; in patients who do get shingles anyway, the vaccination can prevent post-herpetic neuralgia, the sometimes-debilitating pain that can persist after the shingles rash clears. The CDC has an FAQ[5] about the shingles vaccine.
Additional costs:
  • Because the shingles vaccine has not been available for long, it still is unclear how long protection lasts, so a booster shot might be necessary in the future.
Shopping for shingles vaccine:
  • The shingles vaccination can be somewhat difficult to get because it requires storage in a special freezer. Check to see if your doctor offers it. Or, Walgreens' Take Care Clinics[6] offer the shingles vaccine, as do some other pharmacies. Also, many travel clinics offer it; the CDC offers resources to help you find a travel clinic[7] . It is a good idea to call ahead to make sure the vaccine is in stock.
  • The shingles vaccine is not recommended by the CDC for anyone younger than 60 because it has not yet been thoroughly studied in those age groups. The risk of shingles begins to rise after age 50, but about half of cases occur in people 60 and older, and symptoms usually are more severe in that age group. People who have already had shingles still can get the vaccine.
  • The shingles vaccine generally is considered safe. The most common side effects are redness, swelling and itching at the injection site, and headache. But, according to Zostavax.com[8] , patients who are pregnant or planning to become pregnant, or who have compromised immune systems or certain allergies, should not get the vaccination.
Material on this page is for informational purposes only and should not be construed as medical advice. Always consult your physician or pharmacist regarding medications or medical procedures.
 
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What People Are Paying - Recent Comments

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Shingles Vac. rip off from Emory Health Care Clinic in Atlanta, GA.
Amount: $1,008.00
Posted by: K Carson in Atlanta, GA.Posted: August 3rd, 2021 02:08PM
Dr. at Emory clinic talked me into getting the Shingles Vac. when I was having my physical back in Dec. 2020. Said it was a 2 part shot and would need to come back in 2-6 mths. for final part of the procedure. Well, to me that sounds like both shots would be covered when you start the procedure, wrong. They charged my insurance $504 for the 1st shot, little did know that they would charge the same outrageous amount for the 2nd shot. When i went back for the 2nd part, no one said anything about an additional $504 that I would be responsible for since I had change Ins. carriers in Jan. No one asked me for my new card, just sent me back for the shot that I assumed was already paid for earlier. Now they want the $504 more, not happening folks. They didn't ask for my new insurance nor did they tell me it would be another charge. Can't get blood form a turnip. Beware of Emory in GA. they will rip you off.
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Publix Shingrix
Amount: $158.00
Posted by: gy in Pace, FL.Posted: June 24th, 2021 11:06AM
Dr. wouldn't give the shot. Went to Publix and paid $158.00 for the 1st shot. Go back in 2 months and assume next one will cost the same.They had told me over the phone that it would cost $175. I gave them a GoodRx coupon for Publix and assume it helped a tiny bit ($17)
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Shingles Vaccine Joke
Amount: $190.00
Posted by: Beahah in Dixon, CA.Posted: April 28th, 2021 06:04PM
Medicare doesn't cover it. Blue Shield supplement doesn't cover it. Humana prescription supplement doesn't cover it. Cheapest is WalMart local pharmacy for 190. I don't know if I'll shell out that much. Why am I paying for these coverages if they won't cover things?
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Cost in Columbus Ohio 2021
Amount: $155.00
Posted by: Amy Kay in Columbus, OH.Posted: January 10th, 2021 01:01PM
Currently it’s $155 at Kroger’s, Meijers, Walgreens and Giant Eagle, and $181 at Walmart for people without insurance.
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Shingrix
Amount: $180.00
Posted by: CalKat in Menlo Park, CA.Posted: September 28th, 2020 09:09PM
The cost at CVS today for the first shot was $180. I am 67 with Humana part D. Seems like the insurance didn’t pay much, if anything.
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Zoster vaccine
Amount: $518.00
Posted by: Cynthia Markham in Fort Worth, TX.Posted: September 28th, 2020 03:09PM
My husband went to the DR and since he never had chicken pox as a child they gave him the vaccine charging him 518.00 we are on Aetna Advantage plan Seriously?? Why would this adult vaccine be covered when it was given in the office by a Doctor
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Shingles Vaccine
Amount: $0.00
Posted by: WAC Vet in Robesonia, PA.Posted: January 22nd, 2020 05:01PM
As a veteran, I am fortunate to have gotten my shingles shots at my VA Hospital!
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shingles
Amount: $640.00
Posted by: Distressed in Dayton, OH.Posted: November 17th, 2019 04:11PM
Received 1st in October, the 2d in Feb. Received a bill for $640 in April for the shots. Dr office did not file a claim. Dr said the Rite Aid down the street would do them f o r free or my insurance would pay. I refused to pay the $640. My Dr.s practice group fired me and I suppose they will sue me next.
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Lowes/CVS
Amount: $0.00
Posted by: markah in COLUMBUS, OH.Posted: November 6th, 2019 10:11AM
Went this morning had no idea what the cost would be. I just wanted to find out the cost. The CVS pharmacist asked my DOB I asked how much and she said no charge. As an employee of Lowes my insurance covered it all. Well pleased. I had the Shingrix one
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Shingrix
Amount: $171.00
Posted by: Carolyn S Carter in West Monroe, LA.Posted: October 28th, 2019 09:10AM
I was just told by Walmart that it will cost 171.00 for each of the 2 Shingrix vaccinations. I have Aetna Part B and Humana Part D.
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Insurance refuses to pay for vaccination
Amount: $450.00
Posted by: B. Campbell in Wilmington, DE.Posted: October 2nd, 2019 11:10PM
I came down with shingles after spinal surgery earlier this year. My family doctor recommended that I get the shingles vaccination. He said I had to go to my pharmacy (Rite Aid) since he does not keep the vaccination in his office. Well, I just found out after the fact that my insurance will not pay for it since I'm under 50 years old (I'm 48). When I had shingles, it was very painful and was just as bad as the back surgery itself. This convinced me to get the vaccination. I'm currently filing a appeal with my insurance carrier but I'm not holding my breath. I would recommend anybody who wants to get the vaccination to confirm that their insurance will cover it and how much it cost without coverage. I should of looked into this before being put on the hook for $450.
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Shingles vaccination
Amount: $385.00
Posted by: Edie1949 in San Diego, CA.Posted: September 17th, 2019 06:09PM
2019 Scripps charged over 600.00 for this. After Medicare and my part D insurance with blue Shield I paid $385.00 to Scripps.
This is for the first vaccination. Haven’t been charged yet for the 2nd vaccination!!!!
This is scary!!!
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Wake up people, get vaccine
Amount: $3.80
Posted by: CuteChris in Sun Prairie, WI.Posted: August 14th, 2019 05:08PM
I am so lucky. Turned 60 got first shot 8 years ago. Dean Care covered the 300.00 with company ins. Now have Medicare and Medicaid. Both shots were covered at 3.80 each. My Dr. really encouraged me to get it. Aetna for part D paid. Don’t play around. Get the shot. Talking with people, Shingles is a nightmare. Got the second shots at Walmart. They are great.
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humana walmart
Amount: $0.00
Posted by: Diane Skeen in Sterling, CO.Posted: June 21st, 2019 12:06PM
humana went up 10.00 this year. Same as last year, they pay no more or no less. So it looks like we just waste our money, Today I was told at Walmart 171,??. That is what each shot cost.
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Highest bid ever
Amount: $400.00
Posted by: a user in Seattle, WA.Posted: January 26th, 2019 05:01PM
My 80 year old father had shingles once. His doc now wants him to get the shots, they come as a pair of shots and his Medicaid does not cover that so he would have to get on a waiting list and it's about $200 per shot!
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shingrix
Amount: $300.00
Posted by: Andrews in Richmond, VA.Posted: April 18th, 2018 05:04PM
Please update on new "shingrix" vaccine. FDA OK'd Oct. 2017. Some insurance not cover, or high cost. I'm waiting, hoping cost customers less in future, after on market few years and insurance wants vaccines instead of disease treatment payments.
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Shingles Vaccination
Amount: $30.00
Posted by: gr007 in Gilbert, AZ.Posted: April 16th, 2018 08:04PM
I asked what the cost would be under my Medicare Advantage Health Insurance. The pharmacist told me $30. My health insurance paid the remaining $215 or had a pre-agreed contract with the store (a grocery store with built-in pharmacy department.)
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Shingles vaccine
Amount: $200.00
Posted by: Peaky in Beaufort, SC.Posted: September 24th, 2017 01:09PM
Aetna Part D co-insurance covers and pays $100, otherwise I was told it would be $300, at Walgreens. I will check around at other pharmacies first. I am 65 but do not want shingles or the associated pain. Would like to know the effectiveness of the vaccine before I spend the money however. One pharmacist said it would be cheaper if I have spent a lot on medications through the year. Hard to nail this down and get a straight story on charges.
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Shingles vaccination
Amount: $247.25
Posted by: Catman in Rockwood, TN.Posted: February 23rd, 2017 04:02PM
Not covered by Medicare. Pharmacist told me the cost was $247.25 before preparing the injection. The total on the paperwork was $247.25, when I started to check out the cashier wanted $268.25. I questioned and noted the total on the paperwork and my final cost was $247.25. This was an out of pocket expense and with scrip from my Doctor. No side affects. I am 66.
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Shingles shot
Amount: $0.00
Posted by: Pauline in Boston, MA.Posted: January 18th, 2017 01:01PM
Medicare does NOT cover cost of shot...only flu and,pneumonia,shots.
Some Part Ds cover with a copay
I tend to agree with many people about the
1 in 3 number the drug companies push
My brother in law had shot..
Got shingles however says it was a milder case.
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Shingles vaccination cost in New York, NY
Amount: $0.00
Posted by: D.M. in Manhattan in New York, NY.Posted: October 18th, 2016 07:10AM
While I actually paid nothing for my shingles vaccination three days ago at a Rite Aid Pharmacy in Manhattan, New York City, using my platinum-level Obamacare health insurance, my insurer's website informs me that its actual value was $283.99. I have no idea if that amount is what Rite Aid actually charged my insurer, or whether that's Rite Aid's free-market price to the uninsured, or whether that price is a fanciful, exaggerated number that my insurer is quoting merely to make my benefits sound more valuable than they are. (Earlier this year, I paid $7.26 for blood tests and lab work that the insurer claimed cost over $600.)
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Shingles Vaccine
Amount: $243.00
Posted by: C Fremont in York, PA.Posted: September 13th, 2016 11:09AM
I had a checkup & got a shingles shot. I told Dr. I will pay if insurance does not. He sent it in, not as a prescription, just a service for shot. They would not pay & said it may be covered as a prescription. Pa Highmark BS PPO. They have the information & cannot send it to whoever does prescription claims. Waste my & Dr's time & are rude on top of it. I will look for other ins.
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Shingles Shots
Amount: $0.00
Posted by: Winternest in Woodbridge, VA.Posted: August 16th, 2016 08:08AM
Noone wants to cover the expensive shot that may also require a booster later on.
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Shingles Vaccine
Amount: $346.00
Posted by: smaccalla in Redmond, WA.Posted: June 17th, 2016 04:06PM
Talk about sticker shock! I really don't understand how medical professionals w/o blinking an eye encourage this shot to someone who is on Medicare. There is no disclosure on this and I believe it needs to be before state consumer protection review.
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never got shot and got Shingles at 61 years old
Amount: $0.00
Posted by: babz1234 in Madison, WI.Posted: June 16th, 2016 07:06PM
The large rash lasted a week or two on my lower back. Really wasn't that painful, a bit itchy but less than an insect bite. There were a couple of sharp pain jolts every now and then for a week but nothing I couldn't live with. It all resolved within 2 weeks. It left a scabby area which dropped off a within a week.
I'm glad I didn't pay the $200 for a vaccine. It wasn't that big a deal. Once you get Shingles, most people will never get it again.
in order to post this, I had to choose a date purchased. Please disregard.
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Wish I had paid for it
Amount: $0.00
Posted by: a user in Nederland, TX.Posted: June 3rd, 2016 04:06PM
Just turned 60 waiting for next doctor visit to get vaccine. Too late. Now I have spent $400+ in copays and for meds, missed 20 days, cannot sleep, in deep pain nothing helps and its not over! Wish I had paid $300 out of pocket. You do Not want to get this, and it comes when you are Dow.
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Shingles vax
Amount: $0.00
Posted by: Margo in Mulberry, FL.Posted: May 25th, 2016 10:05PM
Got it at Walmart for free. Have UHC I pay 900/mo. for, everything should be free as far as I'm concerned.
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cost of shot for shingles at walgreens
Amount: $220.00
Posted by: GEORGIA GILCREASE in LANCASTER, TX.Posted: May 12th, 2016 04:05PM
WHY SO MUCH I'M 77 YEAR OLD MY INSURANCE PAID
ABOUT 2O.00 ONLY IT SHOULD BE CHEAPER IS MY
OPINION
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shingles vaccine
Amount: $0.00
Posted by: a user in Munising, MI.Posted: April 28th, 2016 05:04AM
Told my Dr I had never had the chicken pox. He just smiled and said I should get the shot, which I did. That was 2 days ago. I have swollen glands, sore throat, and feel like I was run over by a truck. Wish I would have listened to my mother and not the dr.
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Try Costco
Amount: $206.00
Posted by: Trudy24 in Raleigh, NC.Posted: April 13th, 2016 02:04PM
I think Costoc provides pharmacy and immunization services to non-members. The price for people who do not have insurance is $206. Seems to be the best price.
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Shingles Vaccine
Amount: $8.00
Posted by: Jacque W. in Riverside, CA.Posted: January 26th, 2016 07:01AM
My sister and I both got shingles vaccine shots as we've both had shingles in the past. My sister just got over shingles all over the right side of her face. My Health Net insurance paid for my shot...her Humana insurance charged her $8.40....why? We both live together in the same area. We both got shots in January 2016.
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shingles vaccine
Amount: $0.00
Posted by: Charles Hopkins in West Haven, CT.Posted: January 5th, 2016 01:01PM
I got my shot thru the VA
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High Cost of Shingles Vaccine
Amount: $189.00
Posted by: Chloeps in Akron, OH.Posted: November 28th, 2015 06:11PM
Husband has AARP Medicare Complete -United Healthcare. He didn't get the shot because CVS said it would cost approx. $189 up front. When we called AARP MedicareComplete they said part of the cost is his deductible and part of it is his co-pay. That's still too much money. His doctor didn't have a way to store the vaccine in his office and he's retiring the end of this year.
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aetna coverage
Amount: $101.00
Posted by: scottsdale az in scottsdale, AZ.Posted: November 14th, 2015 07:11AM
called Aetna we have to pay 50% of contracted amount with Safeway. But the retail price of shot at Safeway here in Scottsdale is 250.00
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shingles shot
Amount: $260.00
Posted by: El from NY in Astoria,N.Y,, NY.Posted: November 13th, 2015 04:11PM
Have AARP Advantage plan and would have to pay full price at Rite Aid because I have nothing on my deductable for tier 4 drugs which is whay the shingles shot is.If deductable was met, I would have to pay $95. Guess I am penalized for being a healthy senior.Thougt I could be proactive instead of reactive. WRONG.
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External Resources:
  1.  www.shotnurse.com/Zostavax.php
  2.  www.shotnurse.com/prepay.php
  3.  news.walgreens.com/
  4.  statehealthplan.state.nc.us/retiredMembers/pharm-benefits.aspx
  5.  www.cdc.gov/vaccines/vpd-vac/shingles/vac-faqs.htm
  6.  news.walgreens.com/
  7.  wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/page/find-clinic
  8.  www.zostavax.com/
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