Do you need a prescription for the Shingrix vaccine?

No, you generally do not need a doctor's prescription for the Shingrix vaccine in the U.S.; you can get it directly from most pharmacies or your doctor's office, as it's a recommended vaccine for adults 50 and older, though some states and specific plans might have different procedures, so checking with your pharmacy and insurance is always a good idea. Pharmacists in all states can administer it, and you usually just need to book an appointment.

Do I need a prescription to get the Shingrix vaccine?

SHINGRIX is available at most pharmacies near you, and you do not need to bring a prescription from your doctor to receive it. So why wait? If you're 50 years or older, sign up for text message reminders, and we'll help you add SHINGRIX to your to-do list.

Can you buy the shingles vaccine privately?

Can I get the shingles vaccine privately? The shingles vaccine is available privately, but it's expensive. You would need to discuss with the clinic whether the vaccine is suitable for you.

Do I need to see the doctor for the shingles vaccine?

You can get the Shingrix® vaccine from your local doctor/general practice, participating community pharmacies or Aboriginal Medical Services.

How much is Shingrix out of pocket?

Shingrix out-of-pocket cost varies: most insured people pay nothing ($0) due to ACA/preventive care coverage, but without insurance, expect ~$200-$250+ per dose (around $400 total), though coupons and assistance programs can lower this, and Medicare Part D usually offers it free, says The National Council on Aging (NCOA). 

What You Should Know About Shingles Vaccines | Johns Hopkins Medicine

Will insurance pay for Shingrix?

Insurance plans covering 96% of commercially insured members cover SHINGRIX. WHERE SHOULD I GET SHINGRIX? HOW MUCH WILL SHINGRIX COST? *Coverage and cost may vary and are subject to change without notice.

What age is Shingrix free?

A 2-dose course of Shingrix is available free of charge under the NIP for: people aged 65 years and over. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people aged 50 years and over. certain immunocompromised people aged 18 years and over (for a detailed list of eligible immunocompromising conditions and therapies, see Table.

Does Shingrix last a lifetime?

Shingrix is highly effective, with protection lasting for several years. According to research reported by CDC, this two-dose shingles vaccine was 97% effective in preventing shingles in adults age 50 to 69 with healthy immune systems. In people age 70 and older, the vaccine was 91% effective.

What kind of shingles vaccine does Walgreens give?

Walgreens uses Shingrix (Zoster Vaccine Recombinant, Adjuvanted), the only FDA-approved and CDC-recommended shingles vaccine, which comes as a two-dose series for adults 50+ and immunocompromised individuals to effectively prevent shingles and its complications. You can schedule your Shingrix vaccination appointment at Walgreens.com/ScheduleVaccine, with the doses typically given 2-6 months apart (or 1-2 months apart for the immunocompromised). 

What is the downside of taking the shingles vaccine?

The most common side effects of a shingles vaccine are headaches and pain, soreness, swelling and itching where the shot was given. On white skin, the area might look red. On Black or brown skin the redness might be harder to see.

Can you get a shingles vaccine at a pharmacist?

Your GP practice will contact you once you are eligible. You may also be able to have your Shingrix vaccines at some pharmacies. Unlike most other infections, you don't catch shingles from someone else.

How can I get a shingles shot for free?

If you're 50 or older, you may be eligible to get the shingles vaccine at no cost through Medicare, Medicaid, or private insurance. Use the locator tool to find a vaccination site near you and schedule your appointment.

Do I need a script for Shingrix?

If you are not eligible to receive the free Shingrix® vaccine under the NIP, talk to your doctor about your needs and whether you can buy it privately. You may need a prescription. Talk to your local vaccination provider to find out how much it will cost.

Who cannot get Shingrix?

Shingrix should not be given to individuals with a history of severe allergic reaction (anaphylaxis) to a previous dose or any component of the vaccine, those currently pregnant, or those with an active shingles infection; people with weakened immune systems or certain conditions like GBS should discuss risks with a doctor.
 

Can I get the shingles vaccination privately?

As part of the NHS Pharmacy First Service, we are able to provide helpful advice and effective treatment for shingles without you needing to book a GP appointment. We also offer shingles vaccinations privately.

Should a 70 year old get the shingles vaccine?

Everyone aged 70 to 79 is eligible for the shingles vaccine. You'll be offered 2 doses of the vaccine. These are given between 6 and 12 months apart. Contact your GP surgery if you missed your vaccine.

What is the controversy with Shingrix?

Some people who have, or will have, a weakened immune system may receive the second dose 1 to 2 months after the first dose. In 2021, the FDA issued a black box warning for Shingrix regarding the potential increased risk of Guillain–Barré syndrome (GBS) following Shingrix vaccination.

Does Shingrix prevent dementia?

Yes, recent, large studies suggest the Shingrix (shingles) vaccine significantly reduces the risk of developing dementia and may slow its progression, with findings showing a roughly 20-30% lower risk of diagnosis and potentially halving dementia-related deaths, suggesting it's a promising preventative tool by reducing neuroinflammation, though more research is needed to confirm causation. 

Do I need a doctor's note for shingles vaccine?

In most but not all provinces, you will need a prescription to receive SHINGRIX. Depending on the province you live in, you can receive SHINGRIX from a doctor, or another healthcare professional such as a pharmacist or nurse.

What are early signs of shingles?

Early signs of shingles often start with pain, tingling, burning, or itching in a specific area on one side of the body or face, followed by flu-like symptoms like headache, fever, chills, and fatigue, usually 1-3 days before a painful, blistery rash appears in a stripe. These initial sensations (paresthesia) and general malaise are key indicators that the dormant varicella-zoster virus is reactivating.
 

Can stress trigger a shingles outbreak?

Yes, stress can trigger shingles because severe stress weakens the immune system, allowing the dormant chickenpox virus (varicella-zoster virus) to reactivate, though stress doesn't directly cause the virus, it lowers your defenses against it. High stress levels, emotional trauma, or physical exhaustion can suppress immune function, making outbreaks more likely in people who've had chickenpox.
 

Can shingles affect the kidneys?

Yes, shingles (Herpes Zoster) can affect the kidneys, potentially causing severe complications like acute kidney injury (AKI) or worsening existing kidney disease, especially in older adults or immunocompromised individuals, though it's more common for kidney problems to increase the risk of getting shingles or experiencing severe complications. The Varicella-Zoster Virus (VZV) can directly impact kidney function, leading to inflammation or failure, and medications for shingles, if not properly dosed for kidney patients, can also cause kidney issues.
 

Can you have Shingrix and flu shot together?

People can receive influenza vaccines, including the adjuvanted vaccines Fluad Quad with Shingrix, either at the same time, or at any time before and/or after. There is a potential for an increase in mild to moderate adverse events when more than one vaccine is given at the same time.