Medicare May Not Provide Good Coverage For This Vital Protection
If youre covered by Medicare, you may feel the pain of a shingles shot more in your wallet than in your arm.
Thats because the federal program that insures most seniors in the U.S. provides poor coverage for some recommended vaccines, including shingles, and could leave some people paying $200 or more for protection.
Shingles is a viral infection that often causes a painful, blistering rash and, in some cases, leads to lingering nerve pain and, in rare cases, even blindness.
The vaccine isnt foolproof, but for people aged 60 and older it reduces the risk of getting shingles by about 51 percent and, if you do get shingles, reduces the nerve pain it causes by close to 70 percent, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
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What Are The Prices For Vaccines At Rite Aid
The amount you spend out of pocket for a vaccine depends on several factors. If you have insurance, you may have responsibility for part of the cost or you may not have to pay anything for certain vaccinations.
Where you live also can impact what you pay for a vaccine, even at the same retailer. For example, a Rite Aid pharmacy in Oregon may charge a different cash price than a Rite Aid pharmacy in New Hampshire.
Here is how out-of-pocket costs compare at Rite Aid pharmacies in four states:
Rite Aid Pharmacy: Flint, Michigan
Shingrix: $136
HPV: $359 per dose
Flu : $85
Flu : $44
Rite Aid Pharmacy: Gardnerville, Nevada
Shingrix: $252
Flu : $44
Protect Yourself From The Flu
The flu is a serious contagious disease spread by coughing, sneezing, and nasal secretions. The Centers for Disease Control says that everyone 6 months of age and older should get the flu vaccination because it is the best protection against this disease.
Getting a flu shot early in the season is your best protection against the flu. Dont wait until late in the season because you might have already been exposed to the virus.
All Priority Partners members can receive a flu shot at their primary care providers office. Members can also get their flu shot at CVS, Walgreens, Walmart, Rite Aid, and many other pharmacies that participate in the flu network. Search for a pharmacy .
If you receive your flu shot at a community pharmacy, please make sure to see the pharmacist at the prescription counter and not an in-store clinic. Some examples of in-store clinics include Target Clinic and CVS Minute Clinic.
Where can I get a flu shot?
Priority Partners members can receive a flu shot at their primary doctors office or at one of many flu network pharmacies, including CVS, Walgreens, Walmart, Rite Aid, and more. Find a nearby pharmacy.
Can the flu shot give me the flu?
No, the flu shot cannot cause flu illness. The viruses contained in flu shots are inactivated , which means they cannot cause infection.
Are there different types of flu shots?
How much does it cost?
Find a pharmacy in our vaccine network where you can get the flu vaccine.
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Schedule Your Free* Flu Shot
The CDC recommends a yearly flu vaccine as the first and most important step in protecting against flu viruses. Walk into any Rite Aid, or schedule your appointment for individuals 3+ today!
* No cost with insurance after satisfaction of any applicable deductible.Flu shots available while supplies last. Ask your pharmacist for details. Age restrictions apply in some states.
Can I Get More Than One Vaccine During The Same Visit
If you need more than one vaccine, talk to your doctor or pharmacist about whether you should get them all in one visit, or space them out.
Its very common to bundle immunizations for children, and there are many cases where adults may get two vaccines at the same time.
Shingrix, which is recommended to prevent shingles in adults 50 and older, can be given during the same appointment as a flu shot, according to the CDC.
The agency has also given the green light for people to receive a COVID-19 vaccine, including a booster shot , and the flu shot during the same visit.
In fact, the CDC says that the COVID-19 vaccine can be given without regard to the timing of any other vaccine.
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Flu Vaccine Coverage Chart
Please note: For members who have 100 percent coverage for services in accordance with the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act of 2010 and the Health Care and Education Reconciliation Act of 2010, no cost-share should be applied for the vaccine and administration of the vaccine when it is administered by an in-network provider.
Coverage is subject to the terms and conditions of the applicable benefit plan. Individual benefits must be verified.
Is There A Downside To The Shingles Vaccine
Though the vaccine is deemed safe by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration , there are certain conditions in which the vaccine may not be safe for you.
- The shingles vaccine has only been tested in adults over age 50 years and immunocompromised adults above 18 years thus, there is no recommendation for the vaccine for younger ages by the FDA.
- You should not get the vaccine if you have had a severe allergic reaction to a previous Shingrix dose.
- You have tested negative for immunity to varicella-zoster virus .
- You have an active shingles infection.
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What Routine Vaccines Are Covered By The Affordable Care Act
If you have insurance, you may not have to pay anything for certain vaccines. Many preventive care services are provided through health insurance plans at no out-of-pocket cost to you as part of the Affordable Care Act . This means you can receive certain services without a copay or coinsurance even if you have not met your deductible. Preventive care includes wellness visits, screenings, and routine vaccines.
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What If I Can’t Get Both Doses Of Shingrix Within 2 To 6 Months
Many health care providers prioritize patients who’ve already had the first dose over those who have yet to get their first one.
GlaxoSmithKline reports that most people are completing the two-dose series on time, and is advising patients to:
- Be patient, but persistent doses are consistently becoming available
- Ask your provider to add you to a waiting list and contact you when the vaccine is available
- When receiving your first dose, plan ahead by scheduling your second dose.
Sims said his practice has a system in place to prevent people from missing the second dose within the recommended 2- to 6-month window.
“The way we run it, we set aside two doses whenever we give it to somebody, so they wont not get the second,” he said. But not all practices work that way.
“If youre late, you still get the second one, just get it as soon as you can,” he said. “The longer time between doses, we dont know if thatll make a difference. It probably wont. You just need that boost. It’s just that they studied what happens when people get it in the pair, and didnt study what happens if you get the second dose a year or two later. Historically, with other vaccines, thats what we do. We just give the next dose.”
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Rite Aid Pharmacy Offering Shingles Vaccination
Zostavax, a vaccine for the painful nerve disease shingles, will be available to patients who pre-register at an upcoming Rite Aid Shingles Clinic. To register or learn more about who should and should not be vaccinated, call a Rite Aid store listed below. Some health coverage plans, including most Medicare Prescription Drug Benefit plans , will cover at least part of the cost. Dates and locations of clinics: Wednesday, Jan. 27, 10 a.m.-2 p.m.: 520 West Main St., Hyannis, 508-775-9211 130 Route 6A Orleans Shopping Center, Orleans, 508-255-5931. Tuesday, Feb. 16, 10 a.m.-2 p.m., 711 Main St., Dennisport, 508-398-5097
How Much Does Shingrix Cost Without Insurance
The price of Shingrix without insurance is around $237.78 for 1, 50MCG/0.5ML Suspension Reconstituted. However, you can save significantly on the price of your prescription drug when you use SingleCare. Shingrix coupons from SingleCare will reduce your total to $187.91 for 1, 50MCG/0.5ML Suspension Reconstituted of Shingrix even without insurance. Ask your local pharmacist to run your discount card to compare Shingrix prices before you overpay for another prescription.
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Cvs Pharmacy Now Offering New Shingles Vaccine At Locations Nationwide
More than 9,800 CVS Pharmacy locations have the Shingrix vaccine in stock for patients
WOONSOCKET, R.I., March 16, 2018 /PRNewswire/ â CVS Pharmacy, the retail division of CVS Health , announced today that all of its more than 9,800 pharmacies have the new Shingrix vaccine available for patients.1 The new vaccine was licensed by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration in 2017 and is now recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention .
Healthy adults age 50 and older are recommended to get two doses of Shingrix, two to six months apart, to prevent shingles and reduce the course and severity of the disease. The Shingrix vaccine is considered more than 90 percent effective at preventing shingles and protection stays above 85 percent for at least the first four years after a patient is vaccinated.
Ninety-nine percent of people ages 50 and older are at risk of getting shingles, a painful rash that is also known as herpes zoster, in their lifetime. There are an estimated one million cases of shingles each year in the U.S. It is recommended that patients who have had shingles, have previously received the Zostavax vaccine,2 or who are unsure if they have had chickenpox, receive the Shingrix vaccine. Anyone who has recovered from chickenpox may develop shingles, including children, although the risk of shingles increases as people age.
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Rite Aid Provides Shingles Vaccine
CAMP HILL, Pa., March 29 Officials at the U.S. drug store chain Rite Aid say more than 2,100 of the chains 4,700 stores will vaccinate patients age 50 and older against shingles.
Robert Thompson, executive vice president of pharmacy for Rite Aid, says the U.S. Food and Drug Administration last week expanded the age eligibility for the shingles vaccine Zostavax which previously was only approved for patients age of 60 and older.
The new FDA recommendation means that Rite Aid pharmacists can now help a much wider range of patients protect themselves from this painful nerve disease, Thompson says in a statement. The vaccine can often be administered to walk-in patients, making it an easy decision to get vaccinated against shingles.
Patients who want to see which Rite Aid drug stores are offering the vaccine can enter their Zip code at www.riteaid.com/shingles to find the most convenient location, Thompson says.
Patients should call first to see if appointments are necessary and for the cost, which varies by insurance coverage, Thompson says.
Many health insurance plans including Medicare Part D cover the cost of the vaccine and a Rite Aid pharmacist can help patients determine the amount of coverage their plan provides, Thompson says.
The varicella-zoster virus, which typically causes chickenpox when patients are first exposed, can cause shingles later in life, leaving some in pain for months or even years.
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How Does Pneumococcal Disease Spread
Pneumococcal disease is spread by coughing, sneezing or close contact. People can carry the bacteria in their noses and throats without symptoms and make others sick . Children under the age of 2 years, and many adults are at high risk for pneumococcal disease. Adults at risk for pneumococcal disease include those 65 years of age and older, those who smoke, drink alcohol in excess or who have underlying conditions that make them more vulnerable to infections. Such conditions include: heart, liver or kidney problems, chronic lung problems, diabetes, a weakened immune system, implants in the ear to improve hearing or leakage of fluid surrounding the spinal cord and brain .
How Much Does Shingrix Cost With Insurance
Many insurance plans cover Shingrix, but your copay will depend on your insurance plan. Visit your local pharmacy to calculate your copay with insurance with help from a pharmacist. Keep in mind that you could pay our lowest price of $187.91 per 1, 50MCG/0.5ML Suspension Reconstituted with SingleCare. Just use the Shingrix coupon provided by SingleCare above. SingleCare prices may be even cheaper than your insurance.
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Saving On Pharmacy Vaccinations
Just like at your doctors office, pharmacies that offer vaccinations will file with your insurance.
Many vaccinations wont cost you anything if you have a private insurance plan through your employer or that you purchased on a state marketplace. Under the Affordable Care Act, private plans are required to fully cover the cost of recommended vaccinations for adults and children as preventive medical care.
Unfortunately, Medicare doesnt do as good of a job of covering recommended immunizations. Only flu, pneumonia, and hepatitis B vaccines are fully covered under Medicare Part B. Other vaccinations are treated like prescription drugs and are covered under Medicare Part D or Advantage plans. That means youll be responsible for paying any co-pays and deductibles required by your prescription drug plan.
If youre paying out of pocket, shop around to find the lowest price. When we checked, we found the lowest prices without insurance at Costco. For example, Pneumovax pneumonia vaccine cost $110 at CVS and Target, but just $97 at Costco pharmacies. And the dual Hepatitis A and B vaccine costs $145 at CVS, $150 at Walgreens , and $93 at Costco.
Another option if you are uninsured or paying out of pocket is to check with statewide free health clinics and community health centers, which offer free or low-cost preventive care and low-cost vaccinations. Find a clinic near you.
What Are The Symptoms Of Shingles
Shingles is a painful rash that develops on one side of the face or body. The rash forms blisters that typically scab over in 7-10 days. Shingles typically takes 2-4 weeks to clear up.
People often feel pain, itching, or tingling in the area 1-5 days before the rash appears.
Most commonly, shingles forms a single stripe of rash on either the left or right hemisphere of the body. Occasionally, the rash occurs on one side of the face. Less commonly, the rash looks similar to chickenpox and is spread more liberally . Shingles can sometimes affect the eyes and cause loss of vision.
Other symptoms of shingles can include fever, headache, chills and upset stomach.
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What Is The Tetanus Vaccine
Four combination vaccines used to prevent diphtheria, tetanus and pertussis are: DTaP, Tdap, DT, and Td. DTaP and DT are given to children younger than seven years of age, and Tdap and Td are given to adults and older children.
It is recommended that children get five doses of DTaP, one dose at each of the following ages: 2, 4, 6, and 15-18 months and 4-6 years. DT does not contain pertussis, and is a substitute for DTaP among children who cannot tolerate the pertussis vaccine.
Td is a tetanus-diphtheria vaccine given to adults and adolescents every 10 years, or after an exposure to tetanus. Tdap is similar to Td but also contains protection against pertussis. Adults 19 and older and adolescents 11-18 years of age should receive a single dose of Tdap. Women should receive Tdap during each of their pregnancies in the third trimester between the 27th and 36th week. Tdap should also be given to 7-10 year olds who have not been immunized against pertussis. Tdap can be given no matter when Td was last received.
How Does Tetanus Spread
Tetanus is a bacterial infection caused by Clostridium tetani. Tetanus bacteria can be found everywhere in the environment, including manure, soil and dust. This bacteria enters the body through broken skin from injuries by contaminated objects. Areas in the skin that are more likely to get infected with tetanus bacteria are:
- Wounds contaminated with spit , dirt or feces
- Wounds caused by an object puncturing the skin, like a needle or nail
- Injuries with dead tissue
The time from exposure to illness is usually 321 days , but it can range from one day to several months. The majority of cases occur within 14 days. Shorter incubation periods are common with heavily contaminated wounds, more severe disease, and a worse disease prognosis.
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Customers Of Most Age Groups Can Receive Vaccinations In Our Stores
At CVS Pharmacy, vaccinations are available for adolescents, adults and seniors, while at MinuteClinic, children as young as 18 months can receive certain vaccinations. Call your nearest location to talk to the pharmacist about what vaccinations are right for your age group and whats available at that location.
Why Is The Shingles Vaccine Recommended
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends that healthy adults 50 years and older get two doses of Shingrix two to six months apart to prevent shingles and complications from the disease. The vaccine is typically administered to adults who are 50 years and older. There is no maximum age for getting Shingrix.
It is also given to those who have received a live zoster vaccine in the past.
The studies report that two doses of Shingrix will be more than 90 percent effective at preventing shingles and its complication called postherpetic neuralgia.
The vaccine protects you at least 85 percent of the time for the first four years after vaccination.
You should get Shingrix even if you have a history as follows:
- Already had shingles
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