How Much Does the Shingrix Vaccine Cost?

pharmacists at the pharmacy giving information to patient
The Shingrix vaccine was approved for use in preventing shingles in 2017, and older Americans aged 50 and older are strongly advised to receive the vaccine.

Share This Post

About 99 percent of American adults have had chickenpox, and many incorrectly assume that this makes them immune to shingles later in life.

Shingles, which is caused by the same virus as chickenpox, is a painful condition that develops when a person’s immune system becomes weaker later in life, allowing the virus to reemerge.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, approximately one out of every three people in the United States will get shingles at some point in their lives.

The Shingrix vaccine was approved for use in preventing shingles in 2017, and older Americans aged 50 and older are strongly advised to receive the vaccine.

However, the Shingrix vaccine cost can be prohibitive for some people, so finding savings is important in order to make sure that as many people receive the vaccine as possible.

What is the Shingrix vaccine?

Previously known as the zoster vaccine, the brand name Shingrix vaccine is the first vaccine for shingles to be approved by the FDA in more than ten years.

The vaccine was developed with hopes of increasing the level of protection for aging adults against shingles and its complications. As people age, their immune systems weaken and they become more likely to experience shingles and its complications, which can put people at serious risk.

The vaccine is administered into the upper arm as an injection, and people must receive two doses of the vaccine, spread out over a period of two to six months, in order to be protected. 

What is the Shingrix vaccine used to prevent?

The Shingrix vaccine cannot be found over-the-counter and is used to prevent the onset of shingles and postherpetic neuralgia, a complication of shingles, in older adults. Explanations of these conditions are provided below.

Shingles

Shingles is a disease caused by the same virus that causes chickenpox, called varicella zoster virus, also known as herpes zoster. People who experience chickenpox as children, which is estimated to be 99 percent of American adults, have the virus lying dormant in their bodies after they recover from chickenpox.

The virus does not ever fully go away, so when people’s immune systems weaken as they age, the virus can come back and cause shingles. Shingles is an uncomfortable disease characterized by a painful rash that usually develops on one side of the face or body.

The rash consists of blisters that take about seven to ten days to scab over and between two and four weeks to fully clear. Most people who have shingles experience the rash on either the left or right side of the body in a single stripe, but sometimes, it occurs on one side of the face. People who have the shingles rash on their face can sometimes experience vision loss.

In addition to the characteristic rash, other symptoms of shingles include:

  • Fever
  • Chills
  • Headache
  • Upset stomach

Postherpetic neuralgia

Postherpetic neuralgia, sometimes called PHN, is the most common complication of shingles. Postherpetic neuralgia is long-term nerve pain that occurs for months or years in the area where the shingles rash was, even after the rash has disappeared.

The pain associated with postherpetic neuralgia is so severe and debilitating that it can prevent people from carrying out daily activities, such as eating or sleeping, causing them to be hospitalized.

The older a person is, the more likely they are to experience postherpetic neuralgia and the more severe their symptoms are likely to be.

An estimated 10 to 18 percent of people who get shingles will experience this complication. 

YouTube player

Is the Shingrix vaccine a live vaccine?

Unlike Zostavax, an earlier shingles vaccine that is a live attenuated vaccine, Shingrex is an inactivated recombinant, adjuvanted vaccine, meaning it is not alive.

As such, Shingrex can be safely administered to people who are taking low-dose immunosuppressive medication, may experience immunosuppression in the near future, or have recovered from an immunocompromising illness.

At the present time,  a decision has not been made regarding the safety of the vaccine for people who currently have a weakened or compromised immune system due to disease or medication.

The CDC’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices is currently examining the issue. Because people with weakened immune systems are considered at higher risk of shingles, the goal is to find a way for the Shingrex vaccine to be given safely to people with weakened immune systems.

A recommendation is expected in the future.

How much does the Shingrix vaccine cost?

The general cost for Shingrix out of pocket is 280 dollars for both shots.

Patients with health insurance from the government marketplace and most private health insurance plans or drug plans should be able to receive Shingrix with no deductible or copay if the vaccine is received from an in-network provider.

People with Medicare will not have the vaccine covered unless they have Medicare Part D, which requires a copay of about 50 dollars per dose.

Patients may be able to receive a discount on the Shingrex vaccine by using a pharmacy discount card program, such as Pharmacists.org, or they may qualify for assistance through GlaxoSmithKline (GSK), the manufacturer of the Shingrex vaccine.

Patients can look online to see whether they may be eligible for payment assistance or speak to your doctor’s office about options.

How effective is the Shingrix vaccine?

The effectiveness of the Shingrix vaccine varies depending on the age of the person receiving the vaccine. Shingrix is 97 percent effective at preventing shingles in people between the ages of 50 and 69 who received both doses, while adults aged 70 and older reported 91 percent effectiveness in shingles prevention.

Shingrix was able to prevent postherpetic neuralgia, a complication of shingles, in 91 percent of 50 to 69 year olds who received two doses of the vaccination and 89 percent of adults 70 and older who received the vaccine.

It should be noted that the risk of shingles and its complications increases as a person ages, but people 70 and older still received a protection rate of 85 percent against the virus in the four years after vaccination.

Who should get the Shingrix vaccine?

The Centers for Disease Prevention and Control (CDC) recommends that healthy adults aged 50 and older receive the Shingrix vaccine in order to protect themselves against shingles.

The vaccine should be administered in two doses, separated by two to six months, in order to protect against contracting the shingles virus and experiencing complications from the virus, including postherpetic neuralgia.

Other shingles vaccines, such as Zostavax, do exist and have been in use since 2006. However, the Shingrix vaccine is preferred and is recommended over Zostavax.

Patients who are allergic to Shingrix, need immediate vaccination and do not have access to Shingrix, or prefer the Zostavax vaccine over Shingrix may still use the Zostavax vaccine if they are healthy and aged 60 or older.

However, even patients who have already received Zostavax are recommended to receive the Shingrix vaccine, as it is more effective at preventing shingles. People should get the Shingrix vaccine even if the following are true:

  • They have had shingles in the past.
  • They have received the Zostavax vaccine.
  • They are not sure if they have had chickenpox.

Some people believe that they are immune from shingles because they have had chickenpox in the past. In fact, the opposite is true.

Shingles is caused by the same virus as chickenpox, usually after it reactivates after laying dormant in the body since childhood. More than 99 percent of American adults over the age of 40 have had chickenpox, which means they must be protected against shingles. 

Who should not get the Shingrix vaccine?

Most healthy people aged 50 and older should get the Shingrix vaccine, even if they meet the criteria listed above. However, there are some groups of people who should not receive the Shingrix vaccine. These include:

  • People who have had a severe allergic reaction to any ingredient of the Shingrix vaccine or the vaccine itself.
  • People who have tested negative for immunity to the virus that causes shingles, the varicella zoster virus. People who test negative should receive the chickenpox vaccine instead.
  • People who currently have shingles.
  • People who are currently pregnant or breastfeeding.
  • People who have a moderate or severe acute illness, including those with a fever of 101.3 degrees Fahrenheit or higher. These people should wait to receive the vaccine until they recover.

What side effects are associated with the Shingrix vaccine?

There are some side effects associated with the Shingrix vaccine that your healthcare provider will speak to you about, but for the most part, they are mild and last two to three days. The most common side effect is soreness in the arm that receives the vaccine. Other side effects include:

  • Redness
  • Tiredness
  • Headache
  • Fever
  • Nausea
  • Swelling
  • Muscle pain
  • Chills
  • Stomach pain 

No serious side effects or side effects requiring medical advice have been reported as a result of the Shingles vaccine.

References, Studies and Sources.

https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/vpd/shingles/public/shingrix/index.html

https://www.shingrix.com/discover-shingrix.html

https://www.cdc.gov/shingles/about/symptoms.html

https://www.cdc.gov/shingles/about/complications.html

https://www.shingrix.com/about-shingles.html

https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/vpd/shingles/hcp/shingrix/faqs.html

https://www.webmd.com/skin-problems-and-treatments/shingles/news/20191113/new-shingles-vaccine_what-you-need-to-know

https://www.gskforyou.com/vaccines-patient-assistance/

We are committed to providing our readers with only trusted resources and science-based studies with regards to medication and health information. 

Disclaimer: This general information is not intended to diagnose any medical condition or to replace your healthcare professional. If you suspect medical problems or need medical help or advice, please talk with your healthcare professional.

Share This Post

Popular Destinations

Recent Articles

How Often Should You Get an Eye Exam?

Major vision problems cause an annual economic impact of 145 billion dollars per year in the United States, and vision disability is one of the top 10 disabilities among adults over the age of 18. Everyone should have their eyes checked periodically, but how often should you get an eye exam?

Read More »

Iron Infusions: Everything You Need to Know

Iron-deficiency anemia is a common condition that can cause fatigue, shortness of breath, and other health problems. If you are suffering from iron-deficiency anemia, your doctor may recommend an iron infusion as treatment. An iron infusion is a procedure in which iron is administered directly into your bloodstream. In this article, we will provide you with all the information you need to know about iron infusions including what they are, how they work, and how to prepare for them.

Read More »
what is genomic medicine

What Is Genomic Medicine?

Genomic medicine uses our genetic information to provide individualized health care. Various gene therapies can potentially cure rare diseases or conditions. Genetic testing allows people to know and understand the differences in their own genetic information. The results of genetic testing can help providers choose medications that are tailored specific genes and improve the health care of individual patients.

Read More »

Chigger Bite: Everything You Need to Know 

Do you know what chiggers are?

If not, you’re not alone. Many people have never heard of chiggers before, but they can be a real nuisance.

This article will teach you everything you need to know about chigger bites, what they are, where they live, what happens when they bite you, and how to treat them.

Read More »

Share On:

More To Explore

How Often Should You Get an Eye Exam?

Major vision problems cause an annual economic impact of 145 billion dollars per year in the United States, and vision disability is one of

The different types of lie bumps: Transient lingual papillitis, fungiform papillae, and other forms

There are many different types of lie bumps and each one has its own specific symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment options available to you. We’ll discuss

Iron Infusions: Everything You Need to Know

Iron-deficiency anemia is a common condition that can cause fatigue, shortness of breath, and other health problems. If you are suffering from iron-deficiency anemia,

What Is Genomic Medicine?

Genomic medicine uses our genetic information to provide individualized health care. Various gene therapies can potentially cure rare diseases or conditions. Genetic testing allows

Chigger Bite: Everything You Need to Know 

Do you know what chiggers are? If not, you’re not alone. Many people have never heard of chiggers before, but they can be a real

What Are the Benefits of Manuka Honey?

Manuka honey is a unique type of honey that is produced in New Zealand and Australia as it is made by bees from the

How Often Can I Take Tylenol?

Tylenol, also known by the generic name acetaminophen, is a popular over-the- counter (OTC) drug that is classified as an analgesic (pain reliever) and

Coffee: Potential Benefits and Adverse Effects

In this article, we will explore coffee's history, its potential benefits, and if it is safe for everyone to consume.

Parosmia: What it is, Symptoms, Causes, and Treatment

Parosmia is an olfactory disorder where you have a distorted perception of smell and you may smell odors differently than you should. It can

What Is Levofloxacin?

Improper prescription and use of antibiotics over the past several decades has led to a rise in drug-resistant bacteria, many of which do not

Brown Recluse Spider Bites: What You Need to Know

In this article, we will discuss the symptoms of being bitten by a brown recluse spider, when to seek medical attention, and how to

What Is the Drug Levofloxacin Used For?

One powerful fluoroquinolone antibiotic, levofloxacin, is used to treat and prevent a number of serious infections that cannot be treated with other medications. So,

Comparison of Azithromycin and Clarithromycin

Azithromycin and clarithromycin are both macrolide antibiotics used to treat a number of different bacterial infections, including upper respiratory tract infections, lower respiratory tract

MCHC: What It Is, Symptoms, Causes, Treatment, and More

Mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration (MCHC) is a measure of the average amount of hemoglobin in red blood cells with hemoglobin being responsible for transporting

What are the Symptoms of Coffee Withdrawal?

Due to the prevalence of coffee, tea, soft drinks, and energy drinks, caffeine is one of the most popular drugs in the world and

Everything You Ever Wanted to Know About Quercetin

This article will answer all your quercetin-related questions such as what quercetin is, how much quercetin you should take daily, what are the beneficial

All You Need to Know About Ringworm: Symptoms, Causes, Diagnosis, and Treatment

Ringworm is a fungal infection that can be seen on the skin. It can affect both children and adults, but it's most common in

CBD Oil: What You Need to Know

CBD oil is a popular natural remedy used for many common ailments. CBD is short for cannabidiol and it is one of over 100 chemical

The Top 7 Best CBD Lotions of 2023

CBD, or cannabidiol, is a cannabinoid that is found in cannabis and hemp plants. It has many supposed beneficial properties for the skin, making

CBD Topical Cream for Blemishes

If you are tired of dealing with sore, spotty skin and it is a problem that you still experience on a daily basis, now

CBD Hype: Is it Worth Buying?

The triumphant stories of many novel medications can be rooted in someone’s misfortune. Such was the story of 5-year old Charlotte Figi, who back

How to Break a Fever: Recommended Tips to Beat the Body Heat

If you are desperate to learn how to break a fever, you may be surprised to discover that there are many home remedies  you

Clindamycin vs Azithromycin: Which is Better?

Both clindamycin and azithromycin belong to a class of drugs called macrolide antibiotics, and are associated with a relatively low risk of side effects.

The Responsible Way to Take Prescribed Antibiotics

When we go to the doctor and are prescribed medication, it is important to take it exactly as prescribed. However, when it comes to

The Truth About Jojoba Oil: From the The Holistic Pharmacy

Jojoba oil is a liquid wax, also called an oil interchangeably, that's extracted from jojoba seeds, and it has been used for centuries by

What Is Eliquis?

Many people don’t think about blood clots on a daily basis, but if you’ve ever had a blood clot, then you know just how

Everything You Need to Know About Wormwood

Wormwood is a plant that has been used for thousands of years as a natural remedy. Its name comes from the Anglo-Saxon word wermode

First Oral Medication Approved for the Treatment of Spinal Muscular Atrophy

There are a few treatment options available for spinal muscular atrophy, but recently the U.S. Federal Drug and Administration (FDA) approved the first oral

Grapefruit Juice and Drug Interactions

Grapefruit juice, and other fruit juices, can interact with certain medications. Learn about the interaction of grapefruit juice with different drugs and how to

White Bumps on Your Tongue: What Are They and When You Need to Worry?

If you are worried about white bumps on your tongue, it's important to know that many people experience this issue at some point in