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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
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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.
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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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| 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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| 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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| 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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| 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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| 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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| 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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| 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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| 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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| 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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| 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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| 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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| 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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| 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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| 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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| 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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| 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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| 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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| 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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| 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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| 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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| 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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| 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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| 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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| 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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| 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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| 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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| 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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| Posted by: MARY F in ABINGTON, MA. | Posted: November 8th, 2015 04:11PM |
I AM OUTRAGED THAT AS A SENIOR I HAVE TO PAY ANYTHING FOR THE SHINGLES VACCINE, WHILE THE FLU SHOT IS FREE. EVERY TIME I CALL MY DOCTORS OFFICE,HEALTHCARE PROVIDER, (HARVARD PILGRIM ENHANCE) I GET A DIFFERENT ANSWER. THEY EITHER ARE NOT INFORMED PROPERLY, OR THEY JUST DON'T CARE. MY DOCTOR TOLD ME THAT DOCTORS WERE NOT GETTING PAID FOR THE VACCINE BY INSURANCE COMPANIES, SO THEY LET THE SENIORS PAY FOR IT, LET THE SENIOR GET STUCK GETTING PAID BACK RATHER THAN THE DOCTOR. I WILL FIGHT THIS FOREVER BECAUSE IT IMPACTS ALL SENIORS, TALK TO YOUR ELDERLY AFFAIRS DEPARTMENT, CALL YOUR REPRESENTATIVES THIS IS AN OUTRAGE. |
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| Posted by: DLP in Tampa, FL. | Posted: November 4th, 2015 12:11PM |
You will be covered only if the vaccine is administered at a Tri-Care approved facility. For example, it will be covered in you Doctor's office if he/she is a tri-care provider and you have the shot in his/her office. But, if he/she gives you a prescription and you have the shot administered elsewhere it may not be covered. Call Tri-care if you have questions. |
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| Posted by: KarolFranks in Pasadena, CA. | Posted: October 24th, 2015 02:10PM |
I am 60 years old and wanted to get a shingles vaccine, as recommended by friends who have had shingles, that it should be avoided if possible. Our PPO Blue Shield will not cover it. No explanation and no response to our appeal, 2 months later.
I will have to pay cash for it at Costco $225 or VON'S $239.
Still thinking about it. |
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| Posted by: Mlj in Ottumwa, IA. | Posted: October 20th, 2015 03:10AM |
I just got over the shingles. I still have some. Knowing inside with the nerve I have had shingles 5 times! I am 80 years old. I don't have part d on my Medicare. I do have blue cross prescription card. I don't think they will pay but will call them and ask. My friends say. Well you need to get the shot. But they. Can easily say that. Because they have the money to do that. I don't happen to have that kind of money. So I don't say anything to them. I may see if my dr has the shot. And mabe he would let me make payments. Anyway. I didn't get the shingles as bad this time. Thankful for that. Hope it's ok to post. This since I have not had the shot. |
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External Resources: |
- www.shotnurse.com/Zostavax.php
- www.shotnurse.com/prepay.php
- news.walgreens.com/
- statehealthplan.state.nc.us/retiredMembers/pharm-benefits.aspx
- www.cdc.gov/vaccines/vpd-vac/shingles/vac-faqs.htm
- news.walgreens.com/
- wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/page/find-clinic
- www.zostavax.com/
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