Medicare does not cover Shingrix, but soon it will.
Do we still have to believe? GSK data shows promising results for the Shingrix vaccine against shingles in adults.
The CDC recommends adults 50 years and older get two doses of the shingles vaccine called Shingrix to prevent complications from the disease.
It’s more than 90% effective in preventing illness, according to the CDC. But for many people on Medicare, it’s unaffordable.
Despite covering preventative care, Medicare does not cover the shingles vaccine and at times charges up to $200 for the shot.
In January, that will change. The Inflation Reduction Act aims to reduce the cost of some drugs and close this barrier to good healthcare.
“As of January 2023, all vaccinations that are covered under Medicare part D that are approved and recommended by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid, and also by the CDC, will be covered without a co-pay. So, no cost sharing is going to be associated with [Shingrix],” said Alejandra Rischan, lead benefits counselor for the Houston-Galveston area Counsel.
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Again Do we still have to believe? GSK data shows promising results for the Shingrix vaccine against shingles in adults.
So let us know first What is Shingrix?
Shingrix is a vaccine used for the prevention of herpes zoster. Herpes zoster is caused by the same virus (varicella) that causes chickenpox in children. When this virus becomes active again, it can cause herpes zoster, or shingles. Shingrix helps prevent shingles.
Shingrix works by exposing you to a small dose of inactive virus, which causes the body to develop immunity to the disease. This vaccine will not treat an active infection that has already developed in the body.
Shingrix is used to prevent herpes zoster virus (shingles):
- in people aged 50 and older, including people who previously received a live zoster vaccine (Zostavax); and
- in people 18 years and older at increased risk of herpes zoster virus (shingles) due to immunodeficiency or immunosuppression caused by known disease or therapy.
Shingrix will not treat chickenpox, shingles, or nerve pain caused by shingles (post-herpetic neuralgia).
Warnings
You should not receive Shingrix if you have ever had a life-threatening allergic reaction to inactivated zoster virus vaccine.
You should not receive the second shot if you had a life-threatening allergic reaction to a zoster vaccine after the first shot.
Tell your doctor if you have ever had an allergic reaction to any vaccine.
Shingrix side effects
You should not receive the second shot if you had a life-threatening allergic reaction after the first shot.
Keep track of any and all side effects you have after receiving Shingrix. When you receive the second shot, tell the doctor if the first shot caused any side effects.
Becoming infected with shingles is much more dangerous to your health than receiving the vaccine to protect against it. Like any medicine, Shingrix can cause side effects, but the risk of serious side effects is extremely low.
Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction to Shingrix: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.
Some people receiving Shingrix had nervous system problems within 42 days of receiving this vaccine,..