Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Shingles Vaccination. Accessed March 20, 2025.
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What is shingles?
What is shingles?
Shingles is a viral skin infection. It’s caused by the same virus that causes chickenpox. Shingles symptoms appear as a painful rash on the side of the face or torso. This rash turns into blisters, crusting over after a couple of weeks. The person with shingles is contagious through touch until the blisters crust over. If the virus spreads, the newly infected person will get chickenpox instead of shingles.
Why should I get the shingles vaccine?
Why should I get the shingles vaccine?
The vaccine can help prevent infection, and not just from shingles. Chickenpox can spread to a healthy person if they have contact with someone who has shingles. People who have had chickenpox can also get shingles later in life.
Shingles vaccines are very effective. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) says the vaccine prevents infection in 97% of adults ages 50–69 with healthy immune systems. It is also between 68% and 91% effective for adults with weakened immune systems. The vaccine continues to work for years after, too. In people 70 years and older, immunity levels were high for seven years after vaccination.*
The experience of shingles alone is a reason to get the vaccine. The rash can be very uncomfortable, causing pain and itchiness. And once an outbreak begins, it may take weeks to end. You may also have symptoms like fatigue and fever during this time. In extreme cases, shingles can cause further skin infection and even lasting damage to vision. Shingles scars may also remain on the skin afterward.
What parts of Medicare cover the shingles vaccine?
What parts of Medicare cover the shingles vaccine?
If you have Medicare Part D, the shingles vaccine may be covered. It may also be covered if you have a Medicare Advantage plan with Part D drug coverage added. But Medicare Parts A and B do not cover the shingles vaccine on their own.
What is the cost of a shingles shot with Medicare?
The shingles vaccine may be fully covered if you have Medicare Part D or a Medicare Advantage plan with drug coverage. In either situation, your insurance would pay the full cost.
Where can I get the shingles vaccine?
Where can I get the shingles vaccine?
Once you know your coverage, you need to know where to get vaccinated. Here are some options:
- Pharmacy vaccinations — You can get the shingles vaccine at an in-network pharmacy. You may need to make an appointment, but many locations offer walk-ins.
- Doctor’s office vaccinations — You can always make an appointment with your primary care provider to get a vaccine.
