Does anyone have any info as to how to get this shot? I heard there was a waiting period but I don’t know why or how long. Has anyone gotten this shot yet? Is there a preauthoration process that I should be getting started on? Any help would be great. Thanks.
deborah, after watching me struggle with back to back bouts on my face and head and the subsequent PHN my 55 y/o room mate started this vaccine process. it's a 2 shot process 2-6 months apart. pre-auth is going to depend on your ins co. she was able to just go to the pharmacy to get her first shot-like the flu shot. she said it hurt to get and had some minor redness and swelling at the injection point but only for a couple days. talk to your ins co.
Hi Deborah,
Shingrex has not been released and delivered as yet by GSK. There have been no press releases as to when distribution will occur. Its cost is $280.00 per injection, in a series of two.
When I know more I will let people on this forum know.
Best Wishes
Merry Juliana
Merry thank you so much for all the help that you have/do give us on this forum. We need it and it's much appreciated. Do you know if Medicare will pay for it? Have a nice evening! Diane
Hi there. Was this Shingrex and is it in the US? Thanks, Diane
Shingrix became available Dec 1st last year. i know medicare paid for Zostavax idk about Shingrix though. This is from Consumer Reports:
"Unlike the flu and pneumonia vaccines, which are fully covered as preventive services under Medicare Part B, the shingles shot and other recommended vaccinations are covered as prescription drugs under Medicare Part D and Medicare Advantage plans.
Some of those plans provide better coverage than others, but nearly all of them divide their formularies, or list of covered drugs, into tiers according to cost. Drugs in Tier 1 and 2, mainly lower-priced generics and “preferred brand-name” drugs, have lower co-pays than more expensive “nonpreferred brands” in Tier 3 or 4.
Consumer Reports found that many Part D plans categorize the shingles vaccine, Zostavax, as an expensive Tier 3 or 4 drug. Only one pharmaceutical company—Merck—makes the shingles shot, and there’s currently no generic version.
That means if you haven’t met your annual deductible, you’ll likely wind up paying full price for the shot, which is about $217. But depending on your plan, even after the deductible is met, consumers may have to pay a significant part of the shingles vaccine cost—up to $100.
Many healthcare providers haven’t set up billing systems to file claims through prescription drug plans. So if you're vaccinated at your doctor’s office, you might be required to pay the full shingles vaccine cost up front and then file to be reimbursed by your insurance."
Thank you, Barclay.
I called my local pharmacy this morning and found out that I need a script from my dr and I can receive the shot pending insurance approval immediately. They have it.
In the UK, given the continuing PHN around my face, personally I would have found the money for any shot that worked. However, the Practice Nurse said that the later shot was not yet available, at least on the UK NHS system. That was Jan 2018. Colin, England.
Hi Deborah. Is that in the US?
Yes
The dr offices don’t have yet and won’t get it for about four more months but the pharmacy does and you need a prescription and a prescription for an epi pen if you have allergic reaction. The pharmacist said they have the epi script for just Incase and don’t fill it unless needed. My dr sent both scripts over yesterday and I am pending approval which they said should be today. I will keep you posted on this shot but I could receive it today.
Thank you so much for the information, Deborah!
Fantastic news!
Please let us all know how you do after the vaccination!
Best of Luck!
Merry Juliana
Just updating everyone on the new shot for shingles Shingrex..my insurance covered it and I am scheduled for Monday. Very excited after 20 yrs to think I may actually be getting better in the future. I will update everyone next week.
I had my first shot today (shingrex) and I wanted to let everyone know that I am 49 and it was covered under my insurance. They say 50 and over but if you have any history of shingles the do make exceptions. I also have Blue Cross Blue Shield and the shot cost me $28.01. My arm is killing me this evening but I have high hopes for the good side of this vaccine. I will update this message again this week so everyone knows the good, the bad and the ugly. Don’t give up.
Deborah,
Thank you for letting us know!
I hope you feel better!
Merry Juliana
The first 24 hours have been rough after receiving the first shingrex shot. Very grateful I got the shot in my left arm because I cannot use my arm at all so keep that in mind when getting your shot. The pain in my arm is really bad. You can’t even touch my shoulder, that’s how badly my arm hurts. My body ached also very badly last night. It was like all the nerves in my body hurt to the point I could dress warmly because I couldn’t handle the weight of my clothes. I moaned all night long and wondered how I was going to make it thru today. I do feel a little better today but still in pain and very tired. I recommend taking a few days off if possible when you schedule this vaccine. I will keep you posted
Deborah,
Sorry you felt so ill with the vaccine. It sounds as bad as the typhoid vaccine. Still better than the disease...feel better soon!
Merry Juliana
Day 4 and my body is finally feeling better although I woke up with several canker sores in my mouth something I have never had before. I guess the virus is getting worse even tho I am feeling better. I can raise my arm now without too much discomfort but it’s still painful and swollen. I guess the shot really contained a lot of the virus so I recommend taking the week off when you get the shot. It could be better or worse for others but be prepared.
Hi Deborah, if you are in US you don't need authorization for the Shingrex. My husband just got the first dose and paid US$ 153 with our insurance discount. You have to take the second dose between 2 to 6 months after the first one. He got the vaccine 3 days after I got Shingles and he got scare about what I'm going trough.