Your immune system declines with age. As a result, you may get sick more often or take longer to recover.
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.
Shingles
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
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.
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
Starting in January 2023 — per the new guidelines of the Inflation Reduction Act Medicare all adult vaccines recommended by the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP)
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.
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.
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 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
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
Does Medicare Cover Bariatric Surgery?
Dec 27, 2022
Denied Coverage? What to Do When Your Carrier Says No
Jul 15, 2025
What is the Medicare ICEP?
Apr 7, 2023
How to Deduct Medicare Expenses from Your Taxes
Dec 28, 2022
Does Medicare Cover Inspire for Sleep Apnea?
Dec 27, 2022
What is a Medicare Beneficiary Ombudsman?
Apr 11, 2023
What's the Deal with Flex Cards?
Dec 15, 2022
Do All Hospitals Accept Medicare Advantage Plans?
Apr 11, 2023
Medicare & Ozempic
Jul 20, 2023
Will Medicare Cover Dental Implants?
Jun 2, 2022
How Much Does Medicare Cost?
Jul 25, 2022
Does Medicare Cover Krystexxa?
Nov 18, 2022
Does Medicare Cover an FMT?
Dec 2, 2022
Is the Shingles Vaccine Covered by Medicare?
Nov 17, 2022
Does Medicare Cover Hoarding Cleanup?
Jan 10, 2023
Building the Future of Senior Healthcare
Aug 25, 2022
13 Best Ways for Seniors to Stay Active in Indianapolis
Mar 9, 2023
Does Medicare Cover Incontinence Supplies?
Dec 22, 2022
13 Best Ways for Seniors to Stay Active in Jacksonville
13 Best Ways for Seniors to Stay Active in Philadelphia
20 Questions to Ask Your Medicare Agent
2024 Cost of Living Adjustment
Can Medicare Help with the Cost of Tyrvaya?
Comparing All Medigap Plans | Chart Updated for 2025
Costco Pharmacy Partners with Fair Square
Do You Need Books on Medicare?
Does Medicare Cover Boniva?
Does Medicare Cover Breast Implant Removal?
Does Medicare Cover Cervical Disc Replacement?
Does Medicare Cover Cosmetic Surgery?
Does Medicare Cover COVID Tests?
Does Medicare cover Deviated Septum Surgery?
Does Medicare Cover Driving Evaluations?
Does Medicare Cover Exercise Physiology?
Does Medicare Cover Geri Chairs?
Does Medicare cover Hyoscyamine?
Does Medicare Cover Hypnotherapy?
Does Medicare Cover Ilumya?
Does Medicare Cover Inqovi?
Does Medicare Cover Ketamine Infusion for Depression?
Does Medicare Cover Light Therapy for Psoriasis?
Does Medicare Cover Lipoma Removal?
Does Medicare Cover Macular Degeneration?
Does Medicare Cover Mouth Guards for Sleep Apnea?
Does Medicare Cover Nexavar?
Does Medicare Cover Nuedexta?
Does Medicare Cover Ozempic?
Does Medicare Cover Penile Implant Surgery?
Does Medicare Cover Physicals & Blood Work?
Does Medicare Cover Piqray?
Does Medicare Cover TENS Units?
Does Medicare Cover Zilretta?
Does Medicare Pay for Funeral Expenses?
Does Medicare Pay for Varicose Vein Treatment?
Does Retiring at Age 62 Make Me Eligible for Medicare?
Explaining IRMAA on Medicare
Fair Square Bulletin: We're Revolutionizing Medicare
How Can I Get a Replacement Medicare Card?
How Does the End of the COVID-19 Public Health Emergency Affect Your Medicare?
How Much Does Xeljanz Cost with Medicare?
How to Become a Medicare Agent
How to Choose a Medigap Plan
How to Compare Medigap Plans in 2025
Is Balloon Sinuplasty Covered by Medicare?
Is Botox Covered by Medicare?
Is Displacement Affecting Your Medicare Coverage?
Is HIFU Covered by Medicare?
Is PAE Covered by Medicare?
Is Vitrectomy Surgery Covered by Medicare?
Medicare Consulting Services
Medicare Explained
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
Should You Work With A Remote Medicare Agent?
The Fair Square Bulletin: October 2023
Welcome to Fair Square's First Newsletter
What Are Medicare Part B Excess Charges?
What Does Medicare Cover for Stroke Patients?
What If I Don't Like My Plan?
What Is a Medicare Supplement SELECT Plan?
What is Plan J?
What is the 8-Minute Rule on Medicare?
What to Do When Your Doctor Doesn't Take Medicare
What to Do When Your Doctor Leaves Your Network
What You Need to Know About Creditable Coverage
When Can You Change Medicare Supplement Plans?
When to Choose Medicare Advantage over Medicare Supplement
Which Medigap Policies Provide Coverage for Long-Term Care?
Why You Should Keep Your Medigap Plan
Get the Fair Square Bulletin
Medicare savings tips, helpful guides, and more.
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
Fair Square Medicare