Centers for Disease Control (CDC) recommends that healthy adults 50 years and older get two doses of the shingles vaccine called Shingrix®, separated by 2 to 6 months, to prevent shingles and the complications from the disease.
Shingrix® provides strong protection against shingles and post herpetic neuralgia (PHN). Two doses of Shingrix® is more than 90% effective at preventing shingles and PHN. Protection stays above 85% for at least the first four years after you get vaccinated.
- Even if you have been vaccinated with the old vaccine, Zostavax®, it is recommended that you receive the new vaccine.
- There is no maximum age for getting Shingrix®.
- You can get Shingrix whether or not you remember having had chickenpox in the past or have had shingles.
Will your insurance cover the NEW vaccine?
Check with your insurance before scheduling your appointment. Make sure you ask them the following questions.
- Is my policy active?
- If I receive the Shingrix® vaccine (CPT code 90750) at a First District Health Unit, will it be covered?
Medicare will NOT cover the cost of the Shingrix® vaccine. However, a client’s Medicare prescription plan might cover a portion of the cost. Staff at FDHU can look up the cost for Medicare prescription recipients on an individual basis.
If you do not have insurance, the cost for each dose of the vaccine is $182.15. Shingrix® is a 2-dose series for people age 50 and older. Doses are recommended 2-6 months apart.
IMPORTANT! PLEASE CALL YOUR INSURANCE TO VERIFY COVERAGE FOR DAY OF SERVICE. EVEN IF YOU HAVE HAD COVERAGE IN THE PAST, YOUR POLICY MAY HAVE CHANGED. FIRST DISTRICT HEALTH UNIT MAY NOT BE IN YOUR NETWORK. ANY BALANCE THAT INSURANCE DOES NOT PAY WILL BE YOUR RESPONSIBILITY.
