Fair Square Medicare Wordmark

Is the Shingles Vaccine Covered by Medicare?

Person receiving a vaccine stock photo

By Daniel Petkevich

Nov 17, 2022

The Shingles Vaccine: Your Questions Answered

Your immune system declines with age. As a result, you may get sick more often or take longer to recover.

Speak with a Medicare Advocate

Talk to one of our Licensed Medicare Agents today to find the right plans for you.

One particularly painful virus that affects older populations is shingles.

You can avoid shingles by getting vaccinated. But these vaccines can be expensive.

So what should you do? Is there a way for Medicare to cover your vaccination costs?

Let's find out.

What Is Shingles?

Shingles

(also known as herpes zoster) is a viral infection. It causes painful rashes or blisters on the skin that can last for weeks or months.

Shingles results from the same virus as chickenpox. Here's how it works:

  • When the virus enters your body for the first time, it causes chickenpox

  • The virus then stays in your body — even after your symptoms go away — and reappears as shingles later in life

Visual asset.

Shingles |

Cleveland Clinic

‎So, anyone who has had chickenpox is at risk of developing shingles. But adults ages 60+ account for more than half of the cases.

But unlike chickenpox, you can have shingles more than once.

Who Should Get the Shingles Vaccine?

CDC (Center for Disease Control and Prevention) recommends two doses of Shingrix — two or six months apart — for the following groups:

  • Anyone 50 years or older

  • Adults over the age of 19 who have weakened immune systems

But what if you've already had shingles or previously received a different shingles vaccine? Do you still need the Shingrix vaccine?

The simple answer: Yes.

The CDC clarifies that you should still get Shingrix even if you've had shingles, received Zostavax (a shingles vaccine no longer available in the U.S.), or received varicella (the chickenpox vaccine).

However, the CDC states that you should NOT get Shingrix if you:

  • Had a severe allergic reaction to a previous dose of Shingrix

  • Currently have shingles

  • Currently have a severe illness — with or without a fever

  • Are pregnant

Does Medicare Cover the Shingles Vaccine (Shingrix)?

Starting in January 2023 — per the new guidelines of the

Inflation Reduction Act

Medicare

Part D will cover 100% of the shingles vaccine (Shingrix). Beneficially, the act also includes full coverage for

all adult vaccines recommended by the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP)

. These include the Tetanus-Diphtheria-Whooping Cough and COVID-19 vaccines.

How Much Does the Shingles Vaccine Cost?

To recap: in 2023, the shingles vaccine will be free for all Medicare beneficiaries with Part D.

However, if you don't have Medicare yet, the exact cost depends on your plan, insurance provider, and pharmacy.

How Do I Get the Shingles Vaccine?

You can get your shingles shot at the following locations:

  • Local pharmacy — You can get vaccinated in any pharmacy that administers the shingles vaccine.

    • Visit a pharmacy within your plan's network. That way, the pharmacy can directly bill your plan.

  • Doctor's office — In 2023, you can get vaccinated in your doctor's office for free.

I Don't Have Medicare. What Are My Options?

First, if you're eligible, give us a call at

Fair Square Medicare

.

Here are a few different options that can help you pay for your vaccine:

  • GSK Patient Assistance Program for Vaccines

    • To qualify for this program, you must be 18 or older, live in the United States or Puerto Rico, and meet certain income criteria.

    • You might also be eligible if you have Medicare Part D but have already spent $600 on medications through your plan.

  • Discount cards

    • Look out for discount coupons provided by

      GoodRx

      or

      SingleCare

    • Note: These discounts cannot be combined with your Part D benefits

  • Installment payments

    • Pay small amounts at a time if you can't afford the full price upfront

    • Talk to your doctor or check whether your pharmacy allows you to pay in installments

Takeaway

Starting in 2023, the shingles vaccine will be free for all Medicare beneficiaries with Part D. If you haven't yet received the vaccine, you can wait until January to get it for free.

However, if you've already received your first dose and need your second dose before next year, you can get coverage if you're on a prescription drug plan.

And if you're not sure where to start, don't worry!

Our team

is here to help. We'll answer any questions you might have about shingles, vaccines, and Medicare plans. Give us a call at 1-888-376-2028.

Speak with a Medicare Advocate

Talk to one of our Licensed Medicare Agents today to find the right plans for you.

Recommended Articles

Cover image

How Often Can I Change Medicare Plans?

May 5, 2023

Close up top view of a woman showing a round-shaped Lipoma fatty tumor on an open palm stock photo

Does Medicare Cover Lipoma Removal?

Dec 8, 2022

Pre-Existing condition stock image

Can Medicare Advantage Plans Deny Coverage for Pre-Existing Conditions?

Mar 28, 2023

hand holding up Invisalign stock photo

Does Medicare Cover Orthodontic Care?

Nov 18, 2022

Senior person holding tissue roll near a toilet bowl, using walker to walk to the bathroom stock photo

Is Emsella Covered by Medicare?

Nov 21, 2022

elderly woman with glasses having difficulty reading her phone stock image

Is Vitrectomy Surgery Covered by Medicare?

Dec 2, 2022

20 Q's with Fair Square

20 Questions to Ask Your Medicare Agent

Mar 17, 2023

surgeons working over a patient stock image

Does Medicare Cover LVAD Surgery?

Nov 30, 2022

Cover image

Why You Should Keep Your Medigap Plan

Sep 21, 2023

Cover image

Medicare & Ozempic

Jul 20, 2023

Senior woman having vision problems stock photo

Does Medicare Cover Macular Degeneration?

Nov 30, 2022

senior man reaching to his ear with jumbled letters going into the ear stock image

Does Medicare Cover Hearing Aids?

Nov 9, 2022

Enroll in Social Security step-by-step with the help of Fair Square stock image

How to Enroll in Social Security

Apr 28, 2023

Fair Square

Building the Future of Senior Healthcare

Aug 25, 2022

Leg bones and knees, 3d rendering. stock photo

Does Medicare Cover Fosamax?

Nov 30, 2022

Gloved hands with a scalpel begin a knee replacement surgery

Does Medicare Cover Iovera Treatment?

Jan 11, 2023

Modern endoscope in hands of experienced medical worker stock photo

How Does Medicare Cover Colonoscopies?

Dec 27, 2022

Cover image

Health Savings Accounts (HSAs) and Medicare

Jan 24, 2024

More of our articles

13 Best Ways for Seniors to Stay Active in Jacksonville

13 Best Ways for Seniors to Stay Active in Phoenix

14 Best Ways for Seniors to Stay Active in Seattle

14 Best Ways to Stay Active in Charlotte

2024 Cost of Living Adjustment

Can Doctors Choose Not to Accept Medicare?

Can I Choose Marketplace Coverage Instead of Medicare?

Can I switch From Medicare Advantage to Medigap?

Can Medicare Advantage Plans be Used Out of State?

Comparing All Medigap Plans | Chart Updated for 2025

Denied Coverage? What to Do When Your Carrier Says No

Do I Need to Renew My Medicare?

Does Medicare Cover an FMT?

Does Medicare Cover Boniva?

Does Medicare Cover Breast Implant Removal?

Does Medicare Cover Cala Trio?

Does Medicare Cover Cardiac Ablation?

Does Medicare Cover Cartiva Implants?

Does Medicare Cover Cataract Surgery?

Does Medicare Cover Chiropractic Visits?

Does Medicare Cover Cold Laser Therapy (CLT)?

Does Medicare Cover Compounded Medications?

Does Medicare Cover ESRD Treatments?

Does Medicare cover Hyoscyamine?

Does Medicare Cover Hypnotherapy?

Does Medicare Cover Krystexxa?

Does Medicare Cover RSV Vaccines?

Does Medicare Cover Scleral Lenses?

Does Medicare Cover Shock Wave Therapy for Plantar Fasciitis?

Does Medicare Cover SI Joint Fusion?

Does Medicare Cover Stair Lifts?

Does Medicare Cover the WATCHMAN Procedure?

Does Medicare Cover Tymlos?

Does Medicare Cover Vitamins?

Does Medicare Have Limitations on Hospital Stays?

Does Medicare Pay for Bunion Surgery?

Does Medicare pay for Opdivo?

Does Medicare Pay for Varicose Vein Treatment?

Fair Square Bulletin: We're Revolutionizing Medicare

How Can I Get a Replacement Medicare Card?

How Do I Sign up for Medicare? A Simple How-To Guide For You

How Do Medigap Premiums Vary?

How Does the End of the COVID-19 Public Health Emergency Affect Your Medicare?

How is Medicare Changing in 2025?

How Medicare Costs Can Pile Up

How Much Does a Pacemaker Cost with Medicare?

How Much Does Trelegy Cost with Medicare?

How to Choose a Medigap Plan

How to Deduct Medicare Expenses from Your Taxes

Is Gainswave Covered by Medicare?

Medicare 101

Medicare Advantage MSA Plans

Medicare Advantage Plans for Disabled People Under 65

Medicare Deductibles Resetting in 2025

Medicare Explained

Medicare Guaranteed Issue Rights by State

Medicare Supplement Plans for Low-Income Seniors

Medigap Plan N vs. Plan G — Which One Fits You in 2025?

Medigap vs. Medicare Advantage

Moving? Here’s What Happens to Your Medicare Coverage

Seeing the Value in Fair Square

Should You Work With A Remote Medicare Agent?

What Happens to Unused Medicare Set-Aside Funds?

What If I Don't Like My Plan?

What Is a Medicare Advantage POS Plan?

What is the 8-Minute Rule on Medicare?

What Is the Medicare Birthday Rule in Nevada?

What People Don't Realize About Medicare

What You Need to Know About Creditable Coverage

What's the Deal with Flex Cards?

When to Choose Medicare Advantage over Medicare Supplement

Will Medicare Cover it?

Your Medicare One-Stop-Shop

Your guide to Medicare Parts A & B, Medicare Advantage, and Medigap. 100% free.

Get the Fair Square Bulletin

Medicare savings tips, helpful guides, and more.

About

Medicare 101

Current Clients

Medicare Supplement Plans

Medicare Advantage Plans

Fair Square 2025

Terms of Use
Notice of Privacy Practices

Virgil Insurance Agency, LLC (DBA Fair Square Medicare) and www.fairsquaremedicare.com are privately owned and operated by Help Button Inc. Medicare supplement insurance plans are not connected with or endorsed by the U.S. government or the federal Medicare program. This is a solicitation of insurance. A licensed agent/producer may contact you. Medicare Supplement insurance is available to those age 65 and older enrolled in Medicare Parts A and B and, in some states, to those under age 65 eligible for Medicare due to disability or End-Stage Renal disease. Virgil Insurance Agency is a licensed and certified representative of Medicare Advantage HMO, HMO SNP, PPO, PPO SNP and PFFS organizations and stand-alone PDP prescription drug plans. Each of the organizations we represent has a Medicare contract. Enrollment in any plan depends on contract renewal. The plans we represent do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, disability, or sex. Plan availability varies by region and state. For a complete list of available plans please contact 1-800-MEDICARE (TTY users should call 1-877-486-2048), 24 hours a day/7 days a week or consult www.medicare.gov. © 2025 Help Button Inc

We do not offer every plan available in your area. Any information we provide is limited to those plans we do offer in your area. Please contact Medicare.gov or 1-800-MEDICARE to get information on all of your options.

MULTIPLAN_FairSquareMedicare_01062022_M