Medicare Part B covers the shingles vaccine (Shingrix) at no cost to you if you are 50 or older

Yes, Medicare Part B pays for the shingles vaccine without requiring you to pay a copay, coinsurance, or deductible. The vaccine is covered for anyone age 50 and up, whether or not you have had shingles before. You receive two doses, given two to six months apart, and both are covered.

The vaccine Medicare covers is called Shingrix. It replaced an older vaccine called Zostavax, which is no longer recommended. If you received Zostavax in the past, you can still get Shingrix — there is no waiting period between the two vaccines.

You get the vaccine at a pharmacy, doctor's office, or health clinic that accepts Medicare. The provider bills Medicare directly, so you do not handle the paperwork yourself.

Key Takeaways

  • Medicare Part B covers both doses of Shingrix at no cost to you, with no copay or deductible required.
  • You are covered if you are 50 or older, regardless of whether you have had shingles in the past.
  • You need to schedule the vaccine at a provider who accepts Medicare, such as a pharmacy, doctor's office, or clinic.
  • The two doses are given two to six months apart, and both appointments are covered.

Where to get the vaccine

You can receive Shingrix at most pharmacies, including CVS, Walgreens, and Rite Aid. You can also get it at your primary care doctor's office, a community health center, or a hospital-based clinic. Call ahead to confirm the provider accepts Medicare and has the vaccine in stock.

Many pharmacies allow you to schedule online or by phone. If you use a pharmacy, bring your Medicare card. If you go to your doctor's office, the staff will verify your coverage when you arrive.

What happens if you have a Medicare Advantage plan

If you have a Medicare Advantage plan (Part C) instead of Original Medicare, your coverage for Shingrix may differ. Some Advantage plans cover it with no cost to you, just as Original Medicare does. Others may require a copay or may require you to use an in-network provider.

Contact your Advantage plan directly to find out what you pay and where you can get the vaccine. The plan name and phone number are on your insurance card. Ask specifically whether both doses are covered and whether there is a copay.

If you have already had shingles

You can still get Shingrix even if you have had shingles in the past. There is no minimum waiting time between a shingles infection and the vaccine. Medicare covers it regardless of your shingles history.

If you had shingles recently and still have pain or other symptoms, talk to your doctor before scheduling the vaccine. Your doctor can advise whether to wait or proceed.

What to expect at your appointment

Your first appointment will take about 15 minutes. The pharmacist or nurse will ask about any allergies and whether you have had a severe reaction to any vaccine. You will receive the first dose as an injection, usually in the upper arm.

You will be asked to wait 15 minutes after the shot in case you have an when ready reaction. Most people have no side effects or only mild ones, such as arm soreness, fatigue, or a low fever. These typically go away within a day or two.

Schedule your second dose appointment before you leave. The second dose should be given two to six months after the first. Both doses are necessary for full protection.

Questions to ask your doctor or pharmacist

Before you get the vaccine, you may want to ask:

  • Do you accept Medicare, and will you bill it directly?
  • Do you have Shingrix in stock, or do I need to come back?
  • Are there any reasons I should not get this vaccine based on my health conditions or medications?
  • What side effects should I expect, and what should I do if I have a severe reaction?
  • When should I schedule my second dose?

When to seek care after vaccination

Serious reactions to Shingrix are rare. Seek when ready care if you have difficulty breathing, chest pain, severe swelling of the face or throat, or signs of a severe allergic reaction within a few hours of the shot.

Contact your doctor if you develop a high fever (over 103°F), severe weakness, or symptoms that concern you and do not go away within a few days. These are uncommon, but your doctor should know about them.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need the shingles vaccine if I have never had shingles?

Yes. Medicare covers the vaccine for anyone 50 or older, whether or not you have had shingles. The vaccine prevents shingles from developing in the first place, so getting it before you get sick is the goal.

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

Yes. Shingrix is more effective than Zostavax and is now the recommended vaccine. You can get Shingrix even if you received Zostavax previously, with no waiting period required.

Will I have to pay anything out of pocket?

No. Original Medicare Part B covers both doses with no copay, coinsurance, or deductible. If you have a Medicare Advantage plan, check with your plan first, as some plans may charge a copay.

Can I get both doses at the same visit?

No. The two doses must be given at least two months apart. Most providers space them two to six months apart. You will schedule the second appointment at your first visit.

What if I miss my second dose appointment?

Contact your provider to reschedule. There is no strict important date, but getting the second dose within the recommended timeframe (two to six months after the first) provides the best protection. If it has been longer, you can still get the second dose.