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

Gastroenterologist doctor, stomach specialist. Aesthetic handdrawn highlighted illustration of human stomach. Neutral grey background, studio photo and collage. stock photo

Does Medicare Cover Bariatric Surgery?

Dec 27, 2022

Cover image

Denied Coverage? What to Do When Your Carrier Says No

Jul 15, 2025

What is the ICEP?

What is the Medicare ICEP?

Apr 7, 2023

An illustrated image of a cartoon man using giant scissors to cut the "T" in the word "Tax"

How to Deduct Medicare Expenses from Your Taxes

Dec 28, 2022

Sleep apena stock image

Does Medicare Cover Inspire for Sleep Apnea?

Dec 27, 2022

senior man on a phone call stock image

What is a Medicare Beneficiary Ombudsman?

Apr 11, 2023

Black debit card changing hands against a yellow background stock image

What's the Deal with Flex Cards?

Dec 15, 2022

Visiting a hospital front desk illustrated stock image

Do All Hospitals Accept Medicare Advantage Plans?

Apr 11, 2023

Cover image

Medicare & Ozempic

Jul 20, 2023

senior man receiving dental care stock photo

Will Medicare Cover Dental Implants?

Jun 2, 2022

Medicare cost stock image

How Much Does Medicare Cost?

Jul 25, 2022

The feet of a man suffering from foot pain stock photo

Does Medicare Cover Krystexxa?

Nov 18, 2022

Fecal microbiota transplant from healthy in unhealthy intestine, FMT. Improvement intestinal microflora and normalization stool by introducing beneficial bacteria in bowel colon tract. Vector stock illustration

Does Medicare Cover an FMT?

Dec 2, 2022

Person receiving a vaccine stock photo

Is the Shingles Vaccine Covered by Medicare?

Nov 17, 2022

Pile of junk in a house, hoarder room pile of household equipment needs clearing out stock photo

Does Medicare Cover Hoarding Cleanup?

Jan 10, 2023

Fair Square

Building the Future of Senior Healthcare

Aug 25, 2022

Indianapolis skyline at night stock image

13 Best Ways for Seniors to Stay Active in Indianapolis

Mar 9, 2023

Diagnosis incontinence stock image

Does Medicare Cover Incontinence Supplies?

Dec 22, 2022

More of our articles

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

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

Fair Square Medicare

FSM symbol - 50