White99 asked
How much does the shingles vaccine Shingrix cost?
Answer
According to GlaxoSmithKline, the manufacturer of the new shingles vaccine Shingrix, the cost for the two shot series will be around $280 for uninsured patients. If you are insured, the out of pocket cost will vary depending on your specific insurance plan and your copay structure.
It is anticipated that insurers will begin to cover Shingrix when it becomes available, but it may take a few months for many plans to add it to their formulary. This is especially true of Medicare Part D plans where it generally takes some time to make the appropriate drug formulary changes. For specific coverage information, contact your insurance plan.
It is important to note that the new guidelines for shingles vaccination, set forth by ACIP (Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices), recommend everyone aged 50 years and older receive the vaccination. This includes those who have had prior vaccination with Zostavax.
Lastly, be aware that Shingrix is given as a two shot series (unlike Zostavax which is given as a single dose). The doses of Shingrix are to be separated by two to six months. The cost of $280 referenced above, is for the entire two dose series.
