Is there a generic for the Shingrix vaccine?

Asked by: Mrs. Jacklyn Dooley  |  Last update: October 29, 2023
Score: 4.9/5 (44 votes)

Shingrix is available only as a brand-name medication. It's not currently available in generic form.

Should I get Zostavax vs Shingrix?

Due to its greater effectiveness, the CDC recommends Shingrix over Zostavax. But if Shingrix is not available in your area or you're allergic to the Shingrix medicine, then Zostavax may be a viable option. For those in the US, Zostavax is no longer available.

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.

What is the cost of a Shingrix shot?

According to GoodRx, the average retail price per dose of Shingrix is about $213. You can pay as little as $195 per dose by using GoodRx or even less — $180 per dose — with GoodRx Gold. Most people have health insurance, which means most people will have no out-of-pocket costs for Shingrix.

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.

Expert Insights: Should I Get the Shingles Vaccine?

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Do insurance companies pay for Shingrix?

If you have an Affordable Care Act marketplace plan or most other commercial and employer-based health plans, your shingles vaccine is covered as a preventive service without a copay or coinsurance — even if you haven't met your deductible. Shingrix is covered by Medicaid in most states.

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.

Is second Shingrix shot worse than first?

Is the second shot worse than the first? People tend to experience side effects after the second dose of the vaccine and not the first. While people can experience symptoms after the first dose, it's not common. The second vaccine is considered the worst of the two.

What is the alternative to Shingrix?

Alternatives to Shingrix

This other vaccine was called Zostavax. Like Shingrix, it was approved to prevent shingles (herpes zoster).

What is the best shingles vaccine for seniors?

CDC recommends that people 60 years old and older get shingles vaccine (Zostavax®) to prevent shingles and PHN. Shingrix (recombinant zoster vaccine) is the preferred vaccine, over Zostavax® (zoster vaccine live), a shingles vaccine in use since 2006.

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.

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

You should get Shingrix even if in the past you: Had shingles. Received Zostavax*

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.

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 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.

Why is the shingles vaccine so expensive for seniors?

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.

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.

Can Shingrix side effects last longer than a week?

The Shingrix vaccine can cause certain reactions and side effects, some of which are more common than others. These side effects may be temporary, lasting a few days to weeks. However, if the side effects last longer than that, bother you, or become severe, be sure to talk with your doctor or pharmacist.

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 a prescription needed for Shingrix?

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

Is Shingrix a live vaccine?

A: Yes, Shingrix is an inactive vaccine so you can administer it with other inactive or live vaccines. If you administer Shingrix and another vaccine to someone on the same day, give them at different anatomical sites (e.g., different arms).