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

Yes, Medicare Part B covers the recombinant zoster vaccine (Shingrix), which protects against shingles. You pay nothing out of pocket for the vaccine itself — no copay, coinsurance, or deductible. This coverage applies to all Medicare beneficiaries age 50 and older, whether you have Original Medicare or Medicare Advantage.

Shingrix requires two doses given two to six months apart. Both doses are covered. You will need to get the vaccine at a provider who accepts Medicare, such as your doctor's office, a pharmacy with a Medicare-contracted pharmacist, or a community health center.

The older shingles vaccine, Zostavax, is no longer recommended and is no longer covered by Medicare. If you received Zostavax in the past, you can still get Shingrix — there is no waiting period required.

Key Takeaways

  • Medicare Part B pays the full cost of Shingrix with no copay or deductible for people age 50 and older.
  • You need two doses of Shingrix, given two to six months apart, and both are covered.
  • You must receive the vaccine at a Medicare-contracted provider — call ahead to confirm they have it in stock.
  • If you had Zostavax (the older vaccine) in the past, you can still get Shingrix without waiting.
  • Medicare Advantage plans must cover Shingrix at the same cost as Original Medicare, though some may require you to use in-network providers.

Where to get the shingles vaccine through Medicare

You have several options for receiving Shingrix. Your primary care doctor can order and administer it during an office visit. Many pharmacies — including CVS, Walgreens, and Rite Aid — employ Medicare-contracted pharmacists who can give the vaccine. Community health centers and senior centers sometimes offer it as well.

Call ahead before you go. Not every location stocks Shingrix at all times, and you want to confirm they accept your specific Medicare plan. If you have Original Medicare, any Medicare-contracted provider can give you the vaccine. If you have Medicare Advantage, check your plan's provider directory or call the plan to find in-network locations, though many Advantage plans cover the vaccine at any Medicare-contracted pharmacy.

Bring your Medicare card with you. The provider will verify your coverage before giving the first dose.

What happens if you have Medicare Advantage

All Medicare Advantage plans are required to cover Shingrix at no cost to you, just as Original Medicare does. However, the details of where you can get it and whether you need prior approval may differ by plan.

Some Advantage plans require you to use in-network providers only. Others allow you to go to any Medicare-contracted pharmacy or doctor. A few plans may require prior authorization — meaning the provider must contact the plan before giving the vaccine to confirm coverage. This is rare for Shingrix, but it is worth checking.

Call your Advantage plan's customer service number (on the back of your card) and ask: "Does my plan cover Shingrix? Do I need prior authorization? Which providers near me are in-network?" Having these answers before your appointment prevents delays.

The two-dose schedule and timing

Shingrix is given as two separate injections. The second dose should be given two to six months after the first. Most people receive the second dose two to three months later, but the timing is flexible within that window.

If you miss your second dose appointment, you do not have to start over. You can get the second dose whenever you are ready, even if it is more than six months after the first. Both doses remain covered by Medicare.

The vaccine is given as a shot in the upper arm. Some people experience mild side effects like arm soreness, fatigue, or low-grade fever for a day or two after each dose. These are normal and do not mean anything is wrong.

If you were vaccinated with Zostavax before

Zostavax, the older shingles vaccine, is no longer given in the United States. The CDC and Medicare now recommend Shingrix instead because it is more effective, especially in older adults.

If you received Zostavax at any point in the past — even recently — you can still get Shingrix. You do not have to wait any specific amount of time. straightforward schedule your first Shingrix dose whenever you are ready. Medicare will cover both doses of Shingrix regardless of your Zostavax history.

What to ask your doctor before getting the vaccine

Before your appointment, consider asking your doctor these questions: "Am I a good candidate for Shingrix given my current health conditions?" "Are there any medications I take that would affect the vaccine?" "What side effects should I expect, and when should I call if something concerns me?"

Shingrix is safe for most people age 50 and older, but certain conditions or medications may warrant a conversation with your doctor first. For example, if you have a weakened immune system due to cancer treatment or certain medications, your doctor may want to time the vaccine carefully or discuss any special precautions.

You should also ask: "Does your office have Shingrix in stock, or do I need to go to a pharmacy?" This saves a wasted trip.

When to seek care after vaccination

Mild side effects like arm soreness, muscle aches, or fatigue are normal and usually fade within a day or two. You do not need to call your doctor for these.

Seek care if you experience severe allergic reaction symptoms within minutes of the vaccine — difficulty breathing, swelling of the face or throat, or severe dizziness. Call 911 or go to the emergency room. This is extremely rare.

Also contact your doctor if you develop a high fever (over 103°F), severe swelling at the injection site that worsens after a few days, or any symptom that concerns you and does not improve within a few days.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to get Shingrix if I have never had shingles?

No, the vaccine is not required. However, the CDC recommends it for all adults age 50 and older, whether or not you have had shingles before. Shingrix prevents shingles from developing in the first place. If you have had shingles, the vaccine still protects you from getting it again.

Can I get Shingrix at the same time as other vaccines?

Yes. Shingrix can be given at the same visit as flu shots, pneumonia vaccines, or other vaccines. They can be injected in different arms. There is no waiting period between Shingrix and other vaccines.

What if I am on a Medicare Advantage plan and my preferred pharmacy is out of stock?

Call another in-network pharmacy or your doctor's office to see if they have it available. If no in-network provider has it, contact your Advantage plan and ask if they will cover an out-of-network pharmacy temporarily. Many plans will do this if the vaccine is not available in-network.

Will I still be covered for Shingrix if I switch Medicare plans?

Yes. All Medicare plans — Original Medicare and all Medicare Advantage plans — are required to cover Shingrix at no cost. If you switch plans, your new plan will cover any remaining doses you have not yet received.

What if my doctor says I should not get Shingrix?

Follow your doctor's information. Shingrix is not recommended for people with severe allergies to any ingredient in the vaccine or those with certain serious illnesses. Your doctor can explain why it is not right for you and whether it might be safe later.