Shingles vaccine

[left-of-center2012]

Got the new shingles vaccine today at Walgreens. My copay via Blue Cross Medicare Advantage HMO was only $8.50.

The pharmacist said it is 99% effective while the old one was about 20%.

I have to get a 2nd shot in a couple months. No charge on that one.

[GentryDixon]

1. I've had both of my shots.

My co-pay was zero. The hardest part of getting it was waiting for it to be available. It took about 4 months for my pharmacy to get the serum in.

[left-of-center2012]

2. My wait was one week. n/t

[Hoyt]

3. Good info. Unfortunately, if one does not have Medicare Advantage or a drug plan, Medicare does

not cover the vaccine. I think most drug plans do cover it, as do Advantage Plans that include drugs.

https://www.medicare.gov/coverage/shingles-shots

[question everything]

5. My health care had to go to another place

Thus, the cost was about $230 (each). My share was about $40 but the insurance sent me a check for the difference and I had to pay the provider the total.

[question everything]

4. Just note that the second boost may have some side effects

I was shivering during the night; spouse's arm hurt for several days.

Or... nothing.

[CousinIT]

6. Had both. They'll make your arm sore for a day or so but that's it.

Most insurance covers most/all of the cost. Shingrix is better vaccine than the older one - if you had the older one, you can get this one too.

If you're over 50 and had chickenpox as a kid, ask for it.

There had been a shortage of the vaccine but hopefully that's over now so more people can get it.

Beats the hell out of shingles (which my brother had and it is AWFUL).

If you have already had a shingles breakout - you can get the vaccine. It may prevent them in the future or make them less frequent and severe.

[PSPS]

7. My brother got shot #1 almost a year ago, they just got #2 in stock. Probably too late.

[elleng]

8. Maybe or maybe not, he should try it (and ask pharmacist.)

[Mme. Defarge]

9. Good move!

If you have never had shingles I guarantee you never want to go through that. NEVER.

I got my vaccine, and later the booster, as soon as they became available. No copay with Kaiser MedicareAdvantage.

One reason I become livid over the antivaxer canard is that their children will be unprotected from chicken pox.

[shadowmayor]

10. Most other countries

Wouldn't understand the notion of a co-pay for a vaccine that should be given freely to the populace.

[lady lib]

11. I've had shingles twice in two years

with the old vaccine (which loses its effectiveness after five years). I have to wait until my current rash is completely clear but then I'm racing over to the pharmacy to get the new one.