How much is the Shingrix shot in 2023?

Asked by: Derek Daniel DVM  |  Last update: January 27, 2024
Score: 4.6/5 (13 votes)

If you have a Medicare prescription drug plan, the shingles vaccine is free as of 2023. There is no copay, and you don't have to meet your plan's deductible before it's covered. Without Medicare drug coverage, the full cost of Shingrix averages $183 per shot, or $367 for the recommended two doses.

Is Shingrix free for over 70?

SHINGRIX IS NOW $0 FOR ALMOST EVERYONE*

Patients typically pay no out-of-pocket costs per dose. All Medicare Part D patients pay an out-of-pocket cost of $0 per dose.

What is the total cost of the Shingrix vaccine?

The bottom line

As of January 2023, a full course of the Shingrix vaccine costs $366.82 or $183.41 per dose. Because most people have health insurance, most people seeking a shingles vaccine will pay less than $5 or nothing at all for the vaccinations.

Why is Shingrix shot so expensive?

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.

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.

Everything You Need to Know About Shingrix | CDC experts

38 related questions found

Is there a free shingles vaccine for seniors in the US?

As of January 1, 2023, these vaccines – including for shingles, which can cost some seniors almost $200 dollars, and Tdap, are now free because of the Inflation Reduction Act – President Biden's new law to lower prescription drug and health care costs.

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.

Is the Shingrix vaccine worth it?

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. Immunity stays strong for at least the first 7 years after vaccination.

Do I need a prescription for Shingrix vaccine?

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

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.

What is the free shingles vaccine?

Shingles vaccination with the Zostavax vaccine is free under the National Immunisation Program for immunocompetent adults aged 70 years.

Should an 80 year old get the shingles vaccine?

Healthy adults age 50 and older should get vaccinated with the shingles vaccine, Shingrix, which is given in two doses.

Is shingles vaccine free for over 80?

Making a vaccination appointment

People aged 80 years and older as well as people aged 18 years and older who are immunocompromised can get the shingles vaccine free of charge. You can also make an appointment by calling 1‑877‑644‑4545 from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., Monday to Friday.

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.

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.

Should I get the new shingles vaccine if I had the old one?

If you got a shingles vaccine in the past, still get Shingrix. You may have already got a different shingles vaccine called Zostavax, which is no longer in use in the United States. If you did, you still need 2 doses of Shingrix.

How many shingles shots do seniors need?

There are two shingles vaccines available for healthy older adults. The CDC recommends that healthy adults over age 50 get a two-dose version of the vaccine. The shots are generally given several months apart, and is about 90% effective after you've had both shots.

Can you still get shingles after vaccination?

While the shingles vaccines are up to 90% effective, you can still get shingles even after vaccination. But the symptoms will be milder, and the risk of shingles complications will be lower.

What triggers a shingles outbreak?

Shingles is caused when the chickenpox virus is reactivated. After a person has had chickenpox, the virus lies dormant in certain nerves for many years. Shingles is more common in people with weakened immune systems, and in people over the age of 50.

What is the difference between the old and new shingles vaccine?

Unlike the other vaccine that's been available for shingles since 2006, called Zostavax, this new vaccine is inactivated. That means it does not contain a live virus. Because of that, it is safe in people who have weakened immune systems.

How did I get shingles if I never had chickenpox?

People cannot get shingles without having recovered from chickenpox. The reactivation of VZV in a person's body causes shingles. There is also a low risk of a person developing shingles after having direct contact with a shingles rash. The chickenpox virus is more likely to spread VZV to others than shingles.