Medicare Part B covers the shingles vaccine at no cost to you

Medicare Part B covers two shingles vaccines — Shingrix and Zostavax — with no copay, coinsurance, or deductible. You do not pay anything out of pocket for the shot itself. The vaccine is given in your doctor's office or at a pharmacy that participates with Medicare, and the administration fee is also covered.

Shingrix is the vaccine Medicare recommends. It requires two doses given two to six months apart. Zostavax is a single-dose vaccine that Medicare still covers, though it is less commonly given now because Shingrix is more effective at preventing shingles in older adults.

If you have Medicare Part D (prescription drug coverage) or a Medigap or Medicare Advantage plan, your coverage remains the same — Part B is what pays, and you have no out-of-pocket cost. The vaccine is not a prescription medication, so Part D does not explore.

Key Takeaways

  • Medicare Part B covers both Shingrix and Zostavax vaccines at no cost to you, with no copay or deductible.
  • Shingrix requires two shots given two to six months apart and is the vaccine Medicare currently recommends.
  • You can get the vaccine at any doctor's office or pharmacy that accepts Medicare, and the administration fee is covered.
  • You are may be able to access for the vaccine if you are 50 or older and have Medicare Part B, regardless of whether you have had shingles before.

Who can get the shingles vaccine through Medicare

You are may be able to access if you are 50 years old or older and have Medicare Part B. You do not need to have had shingles before to receive the vaccine — it works as prevention. You also do not need a referral from your doctor, though you can ask your doctor about it at any visit.

If you are younger than 50 and have Medicare (for example, because of a disability), you may still be able to receive the vaccine, but coverage rules vary. Ask your doctor or call Medicare at 1-800-MEDICARE to confirm your specific situation.

People with certain conditions — such as a weakened immune system from HIV, chemotherapy, or immunosuppressant medications — should talk to their doctor before getting Shingrix. Your doctor can advise whether the vaccine is right for you and when to schedule it.

Where to get the shingles vaccine

You can receive the vaccine at any location that accepts Medicare, including your primary care doctor's office, a walk-in urgent care clinic, or a pharmacy with a vaccination program. Common pharmacy chains like CVS, Walgreens, and Rite Aid offer shingles vaccines to Medicare beneficiaries. Some community health centers also provide the vaccine.

Call ahead to confirm the location has the vaccine in stock and to schedule an appointment. Ask whether they have Shingrix or Zostavax available — most now stock Shingrix because it is more effective. If a location does not have it, they can usually tell you where nearby you can get it.

You will need to bring your Medicare card. If you also have a Medigap or Medicare Advantage plan, bring that card too, though the vaccine cost does not change.

The two-dose schedule for Shingrix

Shingrix is given as two separate shots. The second dose should be given between two and six months after the first dose. You do not need to wait the full six months — two months is the minimum, and many people schedule both doses within three months.

If you received Zostavax in the past, you can still get Shingrix. Most people wait at least one year after Zostavax before starting Shingrix, though your doctor can advise on timing based on your health.

After each shot, you may have mild side effects like arm soreness, redness at the injection site, or low-grade fever. These are normal and usually go away within a few days. Serious side effects are rare.

What happens if you have a Medicare Advantage or Medigap plan

Your coverage does not change. Medicare Part B still pays for the vaccine and administration at no cost to you. Your Medigap or Medicare Advantage plan does not add any additional coverage or cost — the vaccine remains free.

If your Medicare Advantage plan has a preferred pharmacy network, you may want to use a pharmacy within that network for convenience, but you are not required to. Any Medicare-participating location can give you the vaccine, and the cost to you is zero either way.

If you have questions about whether a specific location is in your plan's network, call the customer service number on your plan card. But remember: the vaccine itself costs you nothing regardless of where you go.

Keeping track of your vaccination record

After you receive each dose, ask for a record card or receipt showing the date, the vaccine name (Shingrix or Zostavax), and the lot number. Keep this with your medical records. Your doctor's office will also keep a record in your chart.

If you move or change doctors, bring your vaccination record with you so your new doctor knows which doses you have received. This is especially important if you got the first Shingrix dose and need to schedule the second dose at a different location.

You can also ask your doctor's office to print a copy of your vaccination history from their electronic health record system. This is useful to have on file, especially if you travel or need to show proof of vaccination for any reason.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to pay anything for the shingles vaccine if I have Medicare Part B?

No. Medicare Part B covers the full cost of the vaccine and the administration fee. You pay nothing out of pocket, regardless of whether you have met your deductible or have a Medigap or Medicare Advantage plan.

What is the difference between Shingrix and Zostavax?

Shingrix is newer and more effective at preventing shingles in people 50 and older. It requires two doses. Zostavax is a single dose but is less effective. Medicare covers both, but Shingrix is now the recommended vaccine. Ask your doctor which is right for you.

Can I get the vaccine if I have already had shingles?

Yes. You can still receive the vaccine even if you have had shingles before. The vaccine can help prevent shingles from happening again. Wait until any shingles rash has healed before getting vaccinated, and ask your doctor about the best timing.

What if I got Zostavax years ago — do I need Shingrix?

Many people who received Zostavax in the past are now getting Shingrix because it is more effective. Talk to your doctor about whether Shingrix makes sense for you. Most doctors recommend waiting at least one year after Zostavax before starting Shingrix.

Will my pharmacy bill Medicare directly, or do I pay and get reimbursed?

The pharmacy or doctor's office will bill Medicare directly. You do not pay upfront and then seek reimbursement. Bring your Medicare card, and the location will handle the billing. You walk out paying nothing.