Do I need a prescription for Shingrix?

Asked by: Ellsworth Torp IV  |  Last update: September 22, 2023
Score: 4.6/5 (18 votes)

SHINGRIX is available at most nearby pharmacies — and you do not need to bring a prescription from your doctor to receive it. So, why wait? If you're 50 years or older, sign up for text message reminders and we'll encourage you to add SHINGRIX to your to-do list.

Does Shingrix require a prescription in Canada?

Individuals, who are not eligible for the publicly funded shingles vaccine, can purchase the vaccine privately. Ask your primary health care provider for a prescription. Who should not receive Shingrix®?

Can a pharmacist give you the shingles vaccine?

You can get Shingrix at your doctor's office or pharmacy. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist about getting Shingrix. Call your health insurance provider ahead of time to see if they will cover the vaccine. Plan to get your second dose of Shingrix 2 to 6 months after your first dose.

Can you get the shingles vaccine at Shoppers Drug Mart?

Vaccinations & Immunizations

We have a variety of vaccinations available including Shingles, HPV, Hepatitis, Tetanus and more. Book a vaccine appointment with your local Shoppers Drug Mart Pharmacist today.

Is the Shingrix vaccine free for seniors?

Medicare covers a wide range of preventive services, including Shingrix. As a result of the Inflation Reduction Act, beginning Jan. 1, 2023, there will be no cost-sharing for all adult vaccines covered under Part D that are recommended by the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices. That includes Shingrix.

Everything You Need to Know About Shingrix | CDC experts

27 related questions found

Is Shingrix free for seniors in Canada?

How you qualify. To be eligible to get the free shingles vaccine in Ontario, you must be 65 to 70 years old and have not previously received a publicly funded shingles vaccine.

How much does Shingrix cost in Canada?

Shingles vaccines are not publicly funded (free) in B.C. One dose of Zostavax costs about $200; each dose of Shingrix is about $150. Both vaccines are available at most travel clinics and pharmacies.

How to get the shingles vaccine for free Ontario?

Vaccine Eligibility

is the vaccine for shingles that is approved by Health Canada and used in Ontario. This vaccine is free through primary health care providers for seniors ages 65 to 70 years old who have not previously received a shingles vaccine. Shingrix® is given as a series of two doses, two to six months apart.

How much does the Shingrix vaccine cost?

As of January 2023, manufacturer GSK reports the list price for the Shingrix vaccine as $366.82 or $183.41 per dose. If you don't have health insurance, your pharmacy may charge more than the list price for the vaccine. According to GoodRx, the average retail price per dose of Shingrix is about $213.

Does Shingrix have long term side effects?

Shingrix isn't known to cause long-term side effects to occur. Side effects of Shingrix that were reported in clinical trials were short term. In fact, most side effects from this vaccine only lasted between 2 and 3 days before easing.

Can pharmacists in Ontario prescribe Shingrix?

The shingles vaccine is also available in participating pharmacies. Patients who choose to receive the vaccine from a pharmacist will need a prescription from their primary care provider and will have to pay the pharmacy a fee for the vaccine.

Who Cannot receive Shingrix?

You cannot get Shingrix if you currently have an infection, had the chickenpox vaccine, are pregnant, or allergic to Shingrix vaccine.

Can a pharmacist write a prescription for Shingrix?

Talk to a member of your pharmacy team to learn more about this and other pharmacy services they provide. Note: this service is for those who think that they have shingles. Pharmacist can also assess, prescribe, and adminster the shingles vaccine.

Do you need a prescription for shingles medication?

Pain relief medicine may help with the pain caused by shingles. This can be over the counter or a prescription from your doctor. Wet compresses, calamine lotion, and warm oatmeal baths may help relieve itching. Also see Cause and Transmission.

Is Shingrix vaccine covered in Canada?

SHINGRIX is covered on the Veteran Affairs Canada Federal Plan for all members 50 years of age and older. For more information, including complete eligibility criteria, click here. SHINGRIX is covered on the First Nations Health Authority Program for First Nations Elders who are 65 years old and older.

How much is Shingrix in Ontario?

One dose of Zostavax costs about $200; each dose of Shingrix costs roughly $150. Prices vary across Canada. Some health insurance plans cover the cost of these vaccines. Ontario provides the older Zostavax vaccine free of charge to residents 65 to 70 years old.

Do Canadians pay for shingles vaccine?

The vaccine is not provided for free in B.C. and costs about $150/dose. Some health insurance plans may cover the cost of the vaccine; check with your insurance provider. ​As of Feb​ruary​ 1, 2021, Shingrix® vaccine coverage is available at no cost to First Nations Elders who are 65 years old and older.

Is shingles vaccine not covered by OHIP?

The shingles vaccine (Zostavax) is available to adults age 50 years and older. This vaccine is covered by Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP) only for those aged 65-70 years old. For other age groups, there is a cost which may be covered by your insurance benefit plan.

Is Shingrix a once in a lifetime shot?

Previous studies had shown the shingles vaccine offered protection for up to seven years. Since the vaccine's efficacy is long-lasting, experts say it's unlikely people will ever need a shingles booster shot.

Do you have to get the Shingrix vaccine every 5 years?

Shingrix is more than 90% effective in those 50 years old or older. In addition, the immunity remains strong for seven years after receiving the immunization.

Are the side effects of the second Shingrix shot as bad as the first?

Shingrix is administered in two doses, usually two to six months apart. Shingrix is safe and effective for most people. Side effects from the second dose of Shingrix are somewhat more common than the first dose, although that's not always the case. Most side effects of Shingrix are mild and resolve on their own.

Is shingles vaccine free for over 60?

Shingles (herpes zoster) vaccine

Shingles can cause severe nerve pain that can last for months. The shingles vaccine Zostavax® is free through the National Immunisation Program for people aged 70 years. People aged 71 to 79 years can get a free catch-up vaccination until 31 October 2023.

How long is Shingrix effective for?

In adults 50 years and older who have healthy immune systems, Shingrix is more than 90% effective at preventing shingles and PHN. Immunity stays strong for at least the first 7 years after vaccination.

Why is the shingles vaccine so expensive for seniors?

If you're covered by Medicare, you may feel the pain of a shingles shot more in your wallet than in your arm. That's because the federal program that insures most seniors in the U.S. provides poor coverage for some recommended vaccines, including shingles, and could leave some people paying $200 or more for protection.