Do I need a prescription for Shingrix vaccine?

Asked by: Dr. Rickie Nikolaus  |  Last update: October 1, 2023
Score: 4.8/5 (56 votes)

SHINGRIX is available at most nearby pharmacies — and you do not need to bring a prescription from your doctor to receive it.

How do I get the shingles vaccine prescription?

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.

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.

Can a pharmacist give the shingles vaccine?

Your doctor or pharmacist can give you Shingrix as a shot in your upper arm. Shingrix provides strong protection against shingles and PHN. In adults 50 years and older who have healthy immune systems, Shingrix is more than 90% effective at preventing shingles and PHN.

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.

Expert Insights: Should I Get the Shingles Vaccine?

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What age is shingles vaccine covered by insurance?

Coverage varies state by state. Medicaid covers SHINGRIX for patients 50 years and older in two-thirds of states (those that expanded Medicaid under the Affordable Care Act). WHERE SHOULD I GET SHINGRIX?

How much is the Shingrix shot in 2023?

As of 2023, the shingles vaccine is fully covered through Medicare Part D or Medicare Advantage as part of your prescription drug benefits. Even if you previously paid a copay for the shingles vaccine, it's now available at no cost, even if you haven't met your plan's deductible.

What are the side effects of the Shingrix vaccine in 2023?

If the new shingles vaccine made you feel worse than you expected, you're not alone. Skin rash, joint pain, flu-like symptoms, headaches and fatigue are some complaints from patients who've had the recently approved Shingrix vaccine.

Why is the shingles vaccine copay so high?

Only one pharmaceutical company—Merck—makes the shingles shot, and there's currently no generic version. That means if you haven't met your annual deductible, you'll likely wind up paying full price for the shot, which is about $217.

Do I need a prescription for Shingrix at Walmart?

We have the new shingles vaccine! No prescription needed for people 50 and over! No appointment needed, just stop by the pharmacy!

How soon do side effects start after Shingrix?

Typically, these side effects appear within hours or days of receiving the vaccination. They resolve on their own within 2–5 days. According to the Shingrix package insert, adverse reactions at the injection site are frequent, and the most common side effects of the shingles vaccine include: Pain: 78% of recipients.

How many years does the Shingrix shot last?

The vaccine we recommend is called Shingrix, and we administer it in our office. 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.

How many years does a shingles vaccine last?

The shingles vaccine provides strong protection from shingles and PNH for approximately 7 years . People should aim to get the vaccine if they are aged 50 years or above with a healthy immune system or 19 years and above with a weakened immune system.

Does shingles require a prescription?

A shingles rash is painful. There are over-the-counter medications that can help with the itching and pain. The most common complication of shingles is postherpetic neuralgia. This is long-term nerve pain, and it may require prescription medication for treatment.

Are shingles shots going to be covered by Medicare in 2023?

Starting in 2023, the shingles vaccine will be 100% covered for those who have prescription drug coverage as part of a Medicare Part D plan or Medicare Advantage plan with prescription drug benefits.

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 I need another shingles vaccine after 5 years?

Protection from shingles vaccine lasts about 5 years. While the vaccine was most effective in people 60 through 69 years old, it also provides some protection for people 70 years old and older.

Who shouldn't get the shingles vaccine?

Who Should Not Get Shingrix. People with a history of severe allergic reaction (e.g., anaphylaxis) to any component of the vaccine or after a previous dose of Shingrix. People who currently have shingles, and women who are pregnant or breastfeeding, should wait to get Shingrix.

Does Medicare pay for shingles shots for seniors?

Medicare now covers the complete cost of Shingrix, the vaccine that helps prevent shingles.

Why is Shingrix so expensive?

The shortages, the vaccine's effectiveness, and the fact that Shingrix is a brand-name drug with no competitors have all contributed to its price tag, said Thomas Goetz, chief of research at GoodRx, an online drug price comparison tool.

Does Walmart give the Shingrix shot?

Your Walmart Pharmacy provides shingles vaccines every day! No appointment necessary. Michele Fracalossy Stryker and 3 others like this. Price of each shingrix vaccine with no Medicare or supplement coverage?

How many shingles shots do you get?

Most people will only need 1 dose, but some people who cannot have the routine vaccine for health reasons will need 2 doses. The shingles vaccine is expected to reduce your risk of getting shingles. If you do go on to have the disease, your symptoms may be milder and the illness shorter.

What are the side effects of the shingles shot at Walgreens?

Some people also report experiencing muscle pain, tiredness, headache, shivering, fever and upset stomach after receiving the shingles vaccine. Serious adverse events following the shingles vaccine are rare. In very rare cases, people have developed a severe allergic reaction called anaphylaxis to the shingles vaccine.