Shingles Vaccine At Rite Aid

Who Should Get The Shingrix Shot

“I recommend most people over 50 get it,” Sims said. He noted that Shingrix does not contain any live virus, which means it is safe for many people, including those who have weakened immune systems.

“In the immuno-suppressed community is where you really worry about shingles being potentially life-threatening. Deadly? Probably not. But it can be much worse in some people. You can get encephalitis and things like that. You could get secondary infections. If you get the blistering, those blisters can get infected with staph, which can cause problems.

More:Michigan’s hepatitis A outbreak is worst in U.S. What you need to know.

“The only people who might be a worry with this vaccine are people who have a real allergy to one of the components of the vaccine. And even then, I would probably involve an allergist.”Even if you had the earlier Zostavax shingles vaccine, Sims said it’s worthwhile to get Shingrix because it’s been proven to be so much more effective in preventing shingles.

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.

How Much Will I Pay For The Flu Vaccine At A Local Pharmacy

*Medicare members with Part D and Part B benefits with EmblemHealth. Please note: Medicare members with Part D benefits with EmblemHealth, but no Part B benefits, cannot get the flu vaccine at a network pharmacy. Those members should contact their Part B carrier for coverage of the flu vaccine.

You must continue to pay your Medicare Part B premium.

To find a nearby location that participates in the EmblemHealth vaccine program:

• Search for an EmblemHealth network pharmacy by clicking on the Find a Pharmacy link.
• Call our Flu Information Line at 877-859-9001 . Our hours are 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., Monday to Friday.

Contact your network pharmacy ahead of time to make sure the vaccine is available, learn about any age restrictions, and find out the times they are giving vaccines. Also, dont forget to present your member ID card to the pharmacist at the time of service.

Learn more about the flu vaccine by reading Flu Facts: Frequently Asked Questions.

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What Should You Do If You Have Shingles

These simple steps can help you reduce the severity and spread of shingles:

• Cover the rash at all times
• Do not touch or scratch the rash
• Wash hands often to prevent the spread of the virus
• Before the rash develops crusts, avoid contact with:
• pregnant women who have never had chickenpox or been vaccinated against it
• premature or low birth-weight infants
• people with weakened immune systems including those receiving immunosuppressive medications or undergoing chemotherapy, organ transplant recipients, and people with HIV.

Does Medicare Cover Shingrix And How Much Does It Cost

Shingrix is covered by Medicare. Your copay, however, will depend on your Medicare plan. Unfortunately, Shingrix can still cost almost $200 with Medicare. Your pharmacist can help you calculate the exact Shingrix price with your particular plan.

If your out-of-pocket expenses with Medicare are still too high, consider using SingleCare to save more on Shingrix. Registration is free and we’ll send you a savings card in the mail that you can use on all of your prescription drugs.

In the meantime, take one of our Shingrix coupons to any of the participating pharmacies, such as CVS Pharmacy, Walmart, or Walgreens, to find out how much you can save on your Shingrix cost today.

Also Check: How To Clean Shingles On Skin

What Is Postherpetic Neuralgia

A complication of shingles, postherpetic neuralgia is severe pain that can appear in areas where the shingles rash was.

“It is not super common,” said Sims, “but it is the most common complication. Its more common when youre older. About 20 percent of people who get shingles can get postherpetic neuralgia.

“Some people have extreme pain, and it can last a good long time one to three months or even longer. And theres no cure for it. There are treatments for it that will help. Eventually, it will go away, but it can take time.

Getting the Shingrix vaccine, Sims said, reduces the chance of getting shingles and lowers the odds that a person will develop postherpetic neuralgia, too.

What Are The Side Effects

The shingles vaccine, according to the CDC, can induce temporary side effects that make it difficult to accomplish ordinary tasks for two to three days.

The following are some of the possible shingles vaccine side effects:

• Sore arm with mild to moderate pain
• Redness and swelling at the injection site

According to the CDC, side effects are more common in younger people, and you may have a reaction to the shingles injection after both doses. It is recommended that you take over-the-counter pain medicines such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen if you experience side effects after getting the shingles vaccine.

According to the CDC, another possible side effect of the shingles vaccine is Guillain-Barré syndrome . GBS is a rare but dangerous illness in which your immune system targets the peripheral neurological system, which controls the nerves in your brain and spinal cord, according to the National Library of Medicine.

Read Also: Shingles In The Eye And Head

Should I Get The Shingles Vaccine

The CDC recommends shingles immunization for adults aged 50 and up, as well as those aged 19 and up, who have compromised immune systems as a result of disease or pharmaceutical therapy. It also recommends having the shingles vaccination if you’ve had shingles and/or chickenpox in the past, as well as if you’ve had another shingles vaccine called Zostavax, which is no longer available in the United States.

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 chain’s 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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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.

Rite Aid Assures Patients It Still Has Shingles Vaccine In Stock

CAMP HILL, Pa. Responding to reports of a shingles vaccine shortage, Rite Aid is assuring customers that nearly 1,900 of its pharmacies have an ample supply.

Rite Aid noted that it can provide vaccinations against the nerve disease in 27-of-the-31 states where its stores are located, and in most of the states where Rite Aid operates, pharmacists can administer the vaccine to walk-in patients ages 60 years and older.

The company also reminded patients to call their local Rite Aid to see if appointments are necessary, as well as for the cost of the vaccination, which varies with insurance coverage. Nearly all insurance, including Medicare Part D plans, will cover at least some of the cost, Rite Aid said.

The drug store chain has vaccinated thousands of patients against shingles since 2007, and launched a nationwide awareness campaign last January.

In related news, supermarket retailer Supervalu also addressed the shingles vaccine shortage, stating that the company also had an ample supply of the vaccine on hand.

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You Can Get A Shingles Vaccine Two Ways:

At the pharmacy. Youll still need a doctors prescription, but once thats been transmitted, you can get the shot at a retail pharmacy.

Most major chains and some independent pharmacies can administer the vaccine. Just make sure to use a store in your drug plans network so that it can bill your plan directly and youll owe just the copayment.

At the doctors office. If youre vaccinated in a doctors office, check whether it can bill your drug plan directly or works with a pharmacy that can do so. If so, it will work as mentioned above, with you owing a copayment. If not, you may need to pay the full cost up front and then file a claim for reimbursement from your plan.

Remember that the doctors fee for administering the vaccine may exceed your plans allowable charge, in which you case youre on the hook for the difference. It pays to check beforehand.

Editor’s note: This article was originally published on Jan. 1, 2014. It has been updated with the latest information regarding Medicare coverage in 2020.

Rite Aid Has Ample Supply Of Shingles Vaccine At Nearly 1900 Rite Aid Stores

Patients Can Visit riteaid.com/shingles to Find Local Rite Aid Stores Vaccinating Against the Painful Nerve Disease

CAMP HILL, Pa.—-In response to reports that the shingles vaccine is in short supply and on backorder for health care providers nationwide, Rite Aid is reminding patients that nearly 1,900 local Rite Aid pharmacies have the vaccine in stock. In most of the states where Rite Aid operates, pharmacists can administer the vaccine to walk-in patients age 60 and older.

Patients wishing to get vaccinated against shingles can enter their zip code at www.riteaid.com/shingles to find the most convenient Rite Aid location. Patients should call first to see if appointments are necessary and for the cost, which varies with insurance coverage. Nearly all insurance including Medicare Part D plans will cover at least some of the cost.

Rite Aid pharmacists can vaccinate against shingles in 27 of the 31 states where stores are located including: Alabama, California, Connecticut, Colorado, Delaware, the District of Columbia, Georgia, Idaho, Indiana, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Michigan, Mississippi, Nevada, New Jersey, North Carolina, Ohio, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Tennessee, Utah, Vermont, Virginia and Washington. Rite Aid also holds periodic clinics for shingles vaccinations in Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New York and West Virginia.

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How Should You Treat Shingles

Antiviral medicines like acyclovir, valacyclovir, and famciclovir have been developed to reduce the length and severity of the illness. They are most effective when started soon after the shingles rash appears. Consequently, you should call your health care provider to explore treatment options as soon as you contract or believe you have contracted shingles.

Topical or oral pain medicines may help reduce the pain caused by shingles. Wet compresses, calamine lotion, and colloidal oatmeal baths may also help relieve itching.

Are Any Other Vaccines For Older Adults Available At Local Pharmacies

In addition to the flu vaccine, some pharmacies are able to provide other vaccinations recommended for older adults.

Pneumococcal vaccine: Protects against pneumonia and other types of infections caused by the most common strains of a bacterium called Streptococcus pneumoniae. The pneumococcal vaccine is recommended for all adults over 65 years old, and for adults younger than 65 years who have certain chronic health conditions.

Tdap or Td vaccine: Protects against tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis . Every adult should get the Tdap vaccine once if they did not receive it as an adolescent to protect against pertussis, and then a Td booster shot every 10 years. In addition, women should get the Tdap vaccine each time they are pregnant, preferably at 27 through 36 weeks of pregnancy.

Shingles vaccine: Protects against shingles and a painful complication of shingles called post-herpetic neuralgia . The shingles vaccine is recommended for all adults 50 years of age and older. There are two shingles vaccines available: Shingrix and Zostavax. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends that healthy adults ages 50 years and older receive two doses of Shingrix, which is the preferred vaccine. Zostavax requires only one dose and may be used in healthy adults ages 60 and older.

Also Check: What Are The Home Remedies For Shingles

Are There Other Ways To Save On Vaccines At Rite Aid

If you have insurance, check to see which preventive vaccines are provided at no cost.

If you have to pay for a vaccine out of pocket, cost-saving options at Rite Aid include:

• The wellness+ rewards program is a membership plan that gives shoppers discounts on select purchases and cash rewards that can be redeemed in the store or online. You can sign up online or with a store associate.

• Rite Aid offers weekly deals on various products.

• Rite Aid digital coupons can save you money on select products.

What Are The Side Effects Of Shingrix

Common side effects associated with Shingrix use include headache, muscle pain, tiredness, abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. Other side effects include fever, shivering, and redness, pain, and swelling at the injection site. You should seek immediate medical attention if you experience serious side effects. Contact your healthcare provider for more information, as this is not a complete list of possible side effects. It is recommended that you seek medical advice before using Shingrix. You should also let your doctor know if you may be allergic to any of the active or inactive ingredients in Shingrix.

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Shoprite Pharmacists Are Trained & Certified To Be Vaccine Experts

Shingrix Immunization

Now available by your ShopRite Pharmacist

Shingrix is a new FDA-approved vaccine for the prevention of shingles in adults 50 years and older. In the U.S., currently, 1 million people get shingles every year, and about one out of every three people will get shingles in their lifetime. Shingles are caused by the same virus that causes Chicken Pox. If youve had chickenpox, you have the shingles virus inside you. Speak with your ShopRite Pharmacist to see if Shingrix is the right choice for you. Learn more about shingles

Pneumonia can lead to infections of the lung and middle ear, heart problems, brain damage, loss of hearing, or even death. Adults 65 or older, people with underlying medical conditions, and people who smoke should be vaccinated. Learn more about Pneumonia

Measles, Mumps, Rubella Each is easily spread from person to person through the air. If you were born in 1957 or later, and dont have a record of being vaccinated or having had measles, mumps or rubella speak to your Pharmacist or health care provider about vaccination. Learn more about measles, mumps, or rubella

Tetanus, Diphtheria, Pertussis Tdap All adults who have never received the Tdap vaccine, pregnant women, and anyone who will be around babies should be vaccinated. Learn more about Tetanus, Diphtheria, or Pertussis

Medicare Part B and many insurance plans are accepted. Speak with your ShopRite pharmacist for more information.

Does Medicare Cover The Shingles Vaccine

En español | Unlike some common vaccines, like those for the flu, hepatitis B and pneumonia, shingles shots are not covered under Medicare Part B, the component of original Medicare that includes doctor visits and outpatient services. Part A, which deals with hospital costs, doesnt cover shingles shots either.

Medicare coverage for Shingrix and Zostavax, the two commercially available shingles vaccines, is provided only if you are enrolled in a stand-alone Part D drug plan or a Medicare Advantage plan that includes Part D drug coverage.

Medicare requires Part D plans to cover the shingles vaccine, so if youre enrolled in Part D, you shouldnt have difficulty obtaining the shot. Most require a copayment, which can vary widely from plan to plan.

And if you havent yet met your plans deductible for the year, youll likely pay the full price. For Shingrix, the newer vaccine, that averages around $190, according to GoodRx, a website and app that tracks prescription prices.

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