The cost of a shingles shot depends on your insurance and where you get it
A shingles vaccine costs between $150 and $300 per dose without insurance, though most people with Medicare or private coverage pay little or nothing out of pocket. The actual price your provider charges varies by location, pharmacy, and whether you go to a doctor's office, pharmacy, or clinic. If you have insurance, your out-of-pocket cost is usually determined by your plan's rules for vaccines—not by the full price the provider bills.
The vaccine most commonly given now is called Shingrix, which requires two doses given two to six months apart. Some older adults may have received Zostavax, an earlier vaccine that is no longer routinely recommended, but Shingrix is the standard today. The total cost for both doses can range from $300 to $600 before insurance, but again, what you actually pay depends on your coverage.
Key Takeaways
- Shingrix costs $150 to $300 per dose without insurance, and you need two doses given months apart.
- Medicare Part D and most private insurance plans cover Shingrix with little or no cost to you if you meet age or risk requirements.
- The price varies by pharmacy and location, so calling ahead to compare costs can save money if you are uninsured.
- Federally may have access to health centers and some community clinics offer shingles vaccines on a sliding fee scale based on income.
What Medicare covers for the shingles vaccine
If you have Medicare, Shingrix is covered under Medicare Part D (the prescription drug benefit), not Part B. This means your coverage depends on which Part D plan you chose during enrollment. Most Part D plans cover Shingrix with no cost to you if you are 50 or older, though a few plans may require a small copay.
To find out what your specific plan covers, call the number on your Medicare card or log into your plan's website. You can also call Medicare directly at 1-800-MEDICARE. If your current plan does not cover Shingrix well, you can switch to a different Part D plan during the annual enrollment period (October 15 to December 7 each year).
Private insurance and employer plans
Most private insurance plans and employer-sponsored health plans cover Shingrix for adults 50 and older, usually with no copay or a small one ($0 to $50 per dose). Some plans may require you to get the vaccine at an in-network pharmacy or provider to receive the best coverage. If you get it out of network, you may pay more or have to pay upfront and seek reimbursement later.
Before you schedule your vaccine, contact your insurance company or check your plan's website to confirm coverage and find in-network locations. Ask whether you need a referral from your doctor or if you can go directly to a pharmacy. Some plans cover the vaccine at retail pharmacies like CVS or Walgreens but not at your doctor's office, or vice versa.
Cost if you don't have insurance
Without insurance, you will pay the full price charged by the provider. Retail pharmacies like CVS, Walgreens, and Rite Aid typically charge $200 to $300 per dose. Independent pharmacies and doctor's offices may charge different amounts. If cost is a barrier, call several pharmacies in your area to compare prices—the difference can be $50 or more per dose.
Federally may have access to health centers (FQHCs) and community health centers often offer vaccines on a sliding fee scale, meaning you pay based on your income. To find a center near you, search the HRSA Find a Health Center tool at findahealthcenter.hrsa.gov or call 211 to ask for a referral. Some centers may offer Shingrix for $50 to $100 per dose or less, depending on your income.
Medicaid coverage for shingles vaccine
Medicaid covers Shingrix for adults 50 and older in most states, with no cost to you. However, Medicaid rules vary by state, so coverage details differ. Some states cover it for all adults 50 and up; others cover it only for people with certain health conditions or risk factors.
To find out what your state's Medicaid program covers, contact your state Medicaid office or call your Medicaid managed care plan. You can also ask your doctor's office or pharmacist—they often know the rules for your state's program. If your state's Medicaid does not currently cover Shingrix, ask when coverage might begin, as policies change.
Why the vaccine costs what it does
Shingrix is more expensive than older vaccines because it is a newer formulation designed to work better and last longer. The vaccine is made using recombinant technology (meaning the active ingredient is produced in a lab rather than grown from the virus itself), which is more complex and costly to manufacture than older methods. The two-dose schedule also adds to the total cost compared to single-dose vaccines.
The high price reflects both the manufacturing process and the fact that relatively few people need the vaccine compared to, say, flu shots. Pharmaceutical companies set prices based on development costs, manufacturing, and market demand. Insurance companies negotiate prices with pharmacies and providers, which is why the actual amount billed varies so much by location and plan.
Getting the vaccine if cost is a barrier
If you cannot afford Shingrix even with insurance, talk to your doctor or pharmacist about your options. Some pharmaceutical assistance programs offer the vaccine at reduced cost or free to people who meet income requirements. Your doctor can help you find these programs or may have samples available.
If you are uninsured or underinsured, start by calling your local health department to ask about low-cost vaccine clinics. Many counties hold vaccination events where the cost is reduced or waived. You can also search for federally may have access to health centers in your area using the HRSA tool mentioned above, or call 211 for a referral to a clinic that offers sliding-scale fees.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to pay for both doses at once?
No. You pay for each dose when you receive it. If you have insurance, your copay (if any) is due at each visit. If you are uninsured, you can ask the pharmacy or clinic whether they offer payment plans or if you can pay in installments rather than all at once.
Will my insurance cover the vaccine if my doctor prescribes it?
Most likely, but it depends on your plan and where you get it. Some plans cover it only at pharmacies, others only at doctor's offices. Call your insurance company before your appointment to confirm where to go and whether you need a prescription or referral.
What if I got Zostavax years ago—do I still need Shingrix?
Yes. The CDC now recommends Shingrix for all adults 50 and older, even if you received Zostavax in the past. Shingrix provides better protection and lasts longer. Your insurance should cover it the same way it covers the vaccine for anyone else in your age group.
Can I get the shingles vaccine for free?
If you have Medicare Part D or Medicaid, the vaccine is typically free or very low cost. If you are uninsured, federally may have access to health centers and some community clinics offer it on a sliding fee scale based on income, which may be free or very affordable depending on what you earn.
Does the price change if I get both doses at the same time?
No. You cannot receive both doses on the same day—they must be given at least two months apart. You will pay for each dose at the time you receive it. The total cost for both doses is roughly double the cost of one dose, unless your insurance covers both with no copay.