Does Insurance Cover Shingles Vaccine?

Shingles is a painful condition that affects millions of people each year. If you’ve ever had chickenpox as a child, you’re at risk of developing shingles as an adult. Fortunately, there’s a vaccine available that can help reduce your risk of getting shingles. But does insurance cover the cost of this vaccine?

What is Shingles?

Shingles is a viral infection that affects the nerves and skin. It’s caused by the same virus that causes chickenpox: the varicella-zoster virus. After you’ve had chickenpox, the virus remains inactive in your body. Later in life, the virus can become active again and cause shingles.

Shingles typically causes a painful rash that appears on one side of the body. The rash can last for several weeks and may cause other symptoms like fever, headache, and fatigue.

What is the Shingles Vaccine?

The shingles vaccine is a vaccine that can help reduce your risk of getting shingles. The vaccine was approved by the FDA in 2006 and is recommended for all adults over the age of 50.

The shingles vaccine is not 100% effective, but it can greatly reduce your risk of getting shingles. If you do get shingles after being vaccinated, your symptoms may be less severe than if you had not been vaccinated.

Does Insurance Cover the Shingles Vaccine?

Many insurance plans do cover the cost of the shingles vaccine. However, the amount of coverage may vary depending on your specific plan.

If you have Medicare, the cost of the shingles vaccine is covered under Part D. Depending on your plan, you may need to pay a copayment or coinsurance for the vaccine.

If you have private insurance, you should check with your insurance provider to see if the shingles vaccine is covered. Some plans may cover the full cost of the vaccine, while others may only cover a portion of the cost.

If you don’t have insurance, you can still get the shingles vaccine. The cost of the vaccine may vary depending on where you get it, but it’s typically between $200 and $300.

FAQ

Question
Answer
Is the shingles vaccine safe?
Yes, the shingles vaccine is considered safe by the FDA. Like all vaccines, there is a small risk of side effects, but they are generally mild and go away on their own.
Who should get the shingles vaccine?
The shingles vaccine is recommended for all adults over the age of 50, regardless of whether or not they have had shingles before.
How effective is the shingles vaccine?
The shingles vaccine is not 100% effective, but it can greatly reduce your risk of getting shingles. Studies have shown that the vaccine reduces the risk of shingles by about 50%.
Do I need to get the shingles vaccine if I’ve already had shingles?
Yes, even if you’ve had shingles before, you should still get the shingles vaccine. The vaccine can help reduce your risk of getting shingles again and can also reduce the risk of developing postherpetic neuralgia, a complication of shingles.
Can I get the shingles vaccine if I have a weakened immune system?
If you have a weakened immune system, you should talk to your doctor before getting the shingles vaccine. The vaccine may not be as effective in people with weakened immune systems.

Conclusion

If you’re over the age of 50 and have had chickenpox before, you’re at risk of developing shingles. Fortunately, there’s a vaccine available that can greatly reduce your risk of getting shingles. While the cost of the vaccine may vary depending on your insurance plan, many plans do cover the cost of the vaccine. Talk to your doctor today to see if the shingles vaccine is right for you.