I got my first vaccination shot today

[PJMcK]

It was the Shingrix vaccine to prevent shingles. I'm old enough that I had the major childhood diseases including one that couldn't be diagnosed but was later defined as Fifth's Disease, (it was the fifth childhood disease). I have to get the second dose in 2-6 months.

My wife got the shingles vaccinations from our local CVS which is where I went. She had a mild fever and mild muscle aches from her second dose which was the same reaction I had to my second Moderna Covid-19 vaccination.

Why would anyone willfully not take advantage of the incredible modern medicine we have available?

[Walleye]

1. Is it true that Medicare doesn't pay for the shingles vaccine?

[PJMcK]

5. I'm not sure

I'm still covered by private insurance which covered the vaccination.

[Walleye]

7. Well thanks for the post I'm putting mine off and I should go get it

My doctor nags me every time I go in. I always find something else I wanna spend the money on that week. And now I’m hiding out from the Covid again so. Hoping I don’t get shingles. I certainly had chickenpox

[PJMcK]

11. Found this information

It's from the Medical.gov website.

Medicare Part A (Hospital Insurance) or Medicare Part B (Medical Insurance)
doesn't cover the shingles shot.

Generally, Medicare prescription drug plans (Part D) cover all commercially available vaccines (like the shingles shot) needed to prevent illness. Contact your Medicare drug plan for more information about coverage.

Here's the link:

https://www.medicare.gov/coverage/shingles-shots

Stay healthy and good luck!

[Ms. Toad]

31. Ouch.

$345 under the Part D plan I'm on for the 1st shot; $170 for the 2nd, and apparently not available through Costco, where I will be buying most of my drugs (since it's cheaper).

If/when I decided to get it, I may need to price that year's plan based on where I can get it.

ETA: Looks like I can get it for $155 at Target with GoodRx.

[iluvtennis]

44. Thanks for this info. n/t

[EYESORE 9001]

8. Medicare Part A and Part B don't cover shingles vaccine

Part D does.

[Walleye]

9. My opinion it should. Not that anybody asks my opinion. It's an old peoples disease

[EYESORE 9001]

12. I agree

I don’t understand why it’s not covered by ‘classic’ Medicare.

[Walleye]

14. This is the kind of thing that makes me skeptical about Medicare for all

[PJMcK]

39. It's an old peoples' disease for a reason

When we older folks were younger, medical science hadn't developed all of the preventatives that younger people benefitted from. My 25-yer old son will probably not have to worry about shingles because he was vaccinated against the five major children's diseases. I wasn't so I need the vax.

Our entire medical/insurance system is a mess.

[Walleye]

41. Definitely a mess.

[Luciferous]

65. Is 40 old?! I'm 40 and got it 10 days after my first covid shot. I had terrible

itchiness on my arm and went to the doctor and she prescribed me something for the itchiness. A few days later I got the rash and when I went back in, she said shingles never even occurred to her because I was too young for that lol

[Walleye]

66. Well that is bad luck. I think it is more prevalent in older people,my grandfather had it

[Luciferous]

68. Well I was lucky and got into the doctor the same day the rash started so it

wasn't so bad. My neighbor got it when he was 37 and it was right near his eye. His was definitely worse than mine! But yeah, when my daughter said mom I think that's shingles my first reaction was that's an old person disease 😄

[dumbcat]

47. Somehow mine got covered

I got my first shingles shot in early November and the second one last week. Both at the local Walgreens. When filling out the forms I noted that I had Medicare (A&B, not D) and I presented my Medicare card. I do have supplemental BCBS, but I didn't think I needed it and never noted that to the Walgreens folks, nor showed my card. So I got both shots and never had to pay anything and never got a bill. Now I have to wonder why. I wonder if somehow they found out about my supplemental insurance with BCBS even though I have never told them about it.

[Walleye]

55. Well that's interesting maybe I'll try again. Maybe it's changed

[DuaneT]

69. Do you use the VA for your drugs? This might have something to do with you not paying

but I can assure you a Medicare supplement is not going to pay if Part A and B does not cover which they do not cover the shingles. Either Part D or VA.

If you don't use VA for drugs you do know when and if you ever decide to get Part D there is a penalty for not getting it when you were eligible.

[dumbcat]

77. No, I don't use VA

I have straight Medicare Parts A&B, and supplemented with the Blue Cross/Blue Shield Federal Employee Program (FEP), which normally picks up everything Medicare doesn't pay. But I never told Walgreens about the BCBS FEP coverage. That's why I suspect that Walgreens found out about my FEP coverage some other way, and billed it. I should find out in a few weeks if I get an EOB from the BCBS plan.

[DuaneT]

81. FEP probably paid 100%. Forgot to ask you about possible Fed retiree benefitis.

[mchill]

59. I thought they changed this?

[Emile]

13. I tried a few years ago and Medicare will not cover it. The vaccine

was very expensive like a couple hundred dollars+. Cheap ass me decided not to get the shot.

[Walleye]

15. That's me right now. I'd rather spend the money on something else. I'll probably regret it

If Covid dies down in the spring I’ll be sure and go get it

[PJMcK]

18. My situation is a little weird

A couple of years ago, I asked my doctor to give me the vaccination. He said my insurance wouldn't cover it and it would cost $600. At the time, I passed.

Several months ago, my wife (who is on my insurance plan) got an appointment at CVS and they accepted the insurance for payment. This is why I decided to get it.

If one has to pay for it, it's a tough decision because of the expense. Stay healthy!

[Emile]

28. My wife was with me and she was on ACA and they covered her vaccination.

[PJMcK]

42. Thank you, President Obama!

If I remember correctly, then-VP Biden also had a lot of lifting to get the ACA passed. Thank you, sir!

[ProfessorGAC]

17. Mine Was Covered

But of course, I have a Part D supplemental. That said, I'm dubious that the private supplemental paid 100%.
But, I paid nothing for mine.

[Emile]

29. I have D too and mine wouldn't cover it. That was a few years back at my local drug store.

Maybe I should try again.

[ProfessorGAC]

38. You Should

Formularies change every year.
Case in point:
I went Medicare in September. My part D plan didn't cover valsartan. First month, ok but other 3 months, no. It's such a cheap drug that I paid for the 3 months out of pocket for only $60.
Talked to our insurance guy, and he said to appeal it. Still no.
A couple days later he call to tell me to sit tight because beginning Jan 1 2022, that drug would be on the formulary. I didn't change plans. They just added it.
Maybe they do the same thing with vaccinations.

[Walleye]

40. Oh that's good to know thanks. I'll keep watching

[Ms. Toad]

32. It will depend on the plan.

It will cost me $355 under insurance for the 1st shot and $172 for the second.

I can buy it out-of-pocket at Target for $155 per shot

It's free under my spouse's plan.

[Freddie]

27. Not at the doctor's office

They will cover it if you get it at a pharmacy. That’s what my doc told me.

[PJMcK]

43. Fascinating!

I wonder why. Does the MD charge more than CVS? That seems absurd.

Oh, well. Whatever it takes, you know?

[Freddie]

46. I would guess there is a charge for the dr appt

I’m still on my husbands work insurance and the nurse made sure I wasn’t on Medicare before giving me the shot. My mom had shingles and really suffered with it, so I got the shot. Only effect was a sore arm.

[ashredux]

36. It does

[TNNurse]

51. I got the Shingles vaccines...while on Medicare.

I did not pay anything.

[Walleye]

53. Was it at the pharmacy or doctors office?

[TNNurse]

61. Pharmacy both times.

[Walleye]

62. Thanks! I'll check it out next time I pick up a prescription

[soldierant]

57. I believe vaccines would be under Part D

which I have had since I have had Medicare and it covered mine, although that was some years ago. At the Pharmacy. Also Pneumonia was covered at the Pharmacy. The only one which had to be at a doctor's pffice to be covered was whooping cough.

[monkeyman1]

63. my wife got her's & didn't cost a damn dime & is on medicare !

[chia]

2. My second shingrix vaccination knocked me flat for a couple days. It was so worth it.

My friend had no interest in getting Shingrix. Got a bad case of shingles and still having lingering pain issues from it, many weeks on.

[PJMcK]

4. Like I wrote...

... why would anyone reject medicine that is proven?

Glad you're vaxed and I hope my second dose doesn't hit me like it did you!

[chia]

10. I'd ask my friend that but I already know the answer, unfortunately...

I hope it doesn't too! Depends on the person, I guess. My sister didn't have a problem with either shot, so may you be that fortunate.

[LuckyCharms]

22. I never feel "bad" when I get a vaccine reaction (and I always get reactions)...

Of course, I don't get allergic or life threatening reactions, that would be a different story.

I'm speaking of the run of the mill reaction when you feel like crap for awhile, etc.

I actually enjoy those types of reactions.

I am of the belief that when you are sick with an illness, a lot of the bad feeling you have is an emotional reaction (ie: OMG what is this, I hope it's not serious, how long is this going to take to go away, etc.).

With a vaccine reaction, you know why you don't feel well, and you know it will be gone soon, so I kind of just roll with it. I like getting stuck with a needle too for some reason. It's probably a kink.

[PJMcK]

23. Another thought about vaccine reactions

The reason we have reactions is because our immune systems are kicking into gear as a result of the drugs. If you get a little sick, it's because your body is working perfectly, (as odd as that sounds).

I'm off from work tomorrow and I'll be alone so I won't make anyone else miserable!

[LuckyCharms]

25. I agree...

To be honest, my second Covid shot, as well as the booster, and my second shingles shot hit me pretty hard.

But I just kept in mind that it was only my body gearing up to fight it...and that thought gave me a peaceful feeling.

[Sherman A1]

3. Was all ready to get mine then the pandemic hit

so while delayed about 18 months I was able to finally get it all done last October. Shingles, flu shot and Covid booster all done last fall.

[PJMcK]

6. Doesn't it all make you feel just a little safer?

It seems so useless to hear stories of people who decline medical care then die.

Glad you're vaxed, A1.

[Sherman A1]

20. Yes, indeed

Glad to have access to these wonders of science. As to why folks refuse them is beyond me. Had an acquaintance from years ago likely in his 50s or so just ignore the whole Covid pandemic. It didn't work out so well for him as he passed away last week. All I can think is that he basically committed suicide by his disregard for reality.

[ForgedCrank]

16. I'm interested

in your reaction to it over the next couple of days if you would be comfortable sharing.
I have to go get this one soon and I'm curious what to expect.

[PJMcK]

19. It's been about 8 hours since I got the shot

My arm is a little stiff. So far, that's all. I'll check back with you tomorrow.

[PJMcK]

75. 24 hours since my vaccination

My arm is still a little stiff but nothing to worry about. No other symptoms.

I'll get the second dose in a couple of months. I hope my reaction will be minimal!

[ForgedCrank]

76. Good news

for sure. I've heard some people having bad reactions to it so I hope I get out of this with just a sore arm!
Thanks for the update, I appreciate it.

[LetMyPeopleVote]

21. I need to get the Shingles vaccine

I will do so something this year

[Retired Engineer Bob]

24. My dad had shingles

It was horrible. He had it on his face, said it felt like someone holding a red hot arc shaped branding iron to his face. It was slowly moving, and progressing to his eye.

His doctor prescribed anti virals, it helped quite a bit. It was pretty severe for several months. Even after a couple of years he would still unconsciously put gis hand to that part of his face.

I had the vax, first shot was no big deal, the second kept me pretty much in bed the next day. Well worth the discomfort in comparison to what I saw my dad go through.

[PJMcK]

26. A co-worker went through the same thing as your dad

At my first job in the early 1980s, one of my bosses came down with shingles and he was miserable for months... and so were the rest of us!

He had a cocktail of medications and he was frequently swab his face with rubbing alcohol.

His experience taught me an important lesson which is why I got the jab.

Glad you're vaxed, Bob! Enjoy your weekend.

[Ms. Toad]

35. My spouse had it twice - no big deal for her.

We recognized it immediately, so she got on antivirals before the blisters even appeared (they never did). The antivirals did their job - it was gone about the same time as the end of the prescription.

Her pain was significant, but short-lived.

She definitely had not had the vaccination before her first bout (she was younger than the recommended age). My guess is that she had it before the second, since she gets every vaccnation available.

[zeusdogmom]

45. I had it on my face and eye

Nearly lost the vision in my eye. It was f***ing ugly. And more than a little scary. Thankfully no residual nerve pain.

[spanone]

30. My mother and a great friend both endured shingles....

when the vaccine came out, I couldn't wait to get it.....same with pneumonia vax

[Demovictory9]

33. I got that shot about 2 months ago.. it hurt!!

[Bernardo de La Paz]

34. I got shingles before I realized there was a vaccine. But

I recognized it for what it was less than 24 hours after first bumps appeared. I got a prescription for the shingles antiviral, and it seems to have worked wonders: knocked it down within a couple of days (went full 7 day course) and no relapse after several years.

[ashredux]

37. The question is, have you been vaccinated for Covid?

[PJMcK]

48. Yes, thanks for asking

We got the first doses of Moderna in January and February 2021 and we got the booster in November 2021.

Modern medicine is tremendously effective and tremendously expensive! However, I can't imagine not receiving the best medical care available. The anti-vax folks are out of their minds.

I'm humbly grateful for the insurance coverage that we have. We're taking advantage of it to "tune up" our bodies before we retire and go on Medicare.

By the way, I obviously intended the title of my OP to be a bit of a tease! Enjoy your weekend, ashredux!

[ashredux]

49. 👍👏

[BigmanPigman]

50. I got my Shinles vax at CVS about a year ago.

I had the same reactions as you. The second one made my arm sore for a week.

[WinstonSmith4740]

52. Damned if I can figure out the answer to your question.

I have to admit, I was a little hesitant about the shingles vaccine. I only had 1 childhood disease, the chicken pox, but I had it twice (really rare, but possible...I'm sure I'm written up in a medical journal somewhere in Philly.), so I was a little concerned that I had some kind of special relationship with that particular virus and really didn't want to "awaken" it. But talked to the pharmacist about it. She was very understanding, and assured me I had nothing to worry about, so went ahead and did it. Really glad I did. Everything I've heard about shingles is that you DO NOT want it.

[LudwigPastorius]

54. Wise move.

Two and a half years ago my insurance company would not pay for the shingles vaccine. I ended up getting a case. It was the most painful thing I've been through. It felt like someone was jamming a red-hot poker into my eye socket.

Since it began late on a Friday afternoon, I couldn't go see my doctor, and ended up in an "urgent care" clinic (quack shack) on Sunday morning. The delay in getting treatment contributed to post-herpetic neuropathy. Essentially the trigeminal nerve in my face/eye area was damaged by the virus, so I'm still experiencing pain to this day.

The kicker is, I found out a few months after the shingles attack, my insurance company had changed their policy and would now fully cover the vaccine.

The moral of the story for anyone reading this is: be like PJMcK, check with your insurance company and get the vaccine. Believe me, you do not want to get shingles!

[mchill]

56. This one is on my list but thus

Far, the most risk I’ve been in for getting COVID was going inside the local pharmacy. I live in Trump country—lots of chin diapers allowed inside. A friend of mine was 2 weeks out from getting this vaccine but before he could get it he got the shingles virus in his brain. Almost complete loss of hearing and balance. Tragic.

[madville]

58. I need to get the shingles vaccine too

I had chicken pox as a kid and had shingles on my legs in my 20’s, it was awful, like the worst thing I’ve ever experienced. If someone had offered to amputate my legs I would have considered it to make it stop. Thanks for reminding me, I need to check into the vaccine.

[SCantiGOP]

60. I bought my first mask today

Just trying to out-clickbait PJMck—-
—- I bought a Batman mask for next Halloween 🎃

and on a serious note: get the Shingles vaccine. My Mother and my oldest daughter both had serious shingles outbreaks - it is not something you want to endure.

[PJMcK]

64. Yeah, the title of the OP is a bit of a tease!

Still, if people get vaccinated against any and everything, we'll all have a healthier society. Humor helps!

By the way, in the NE, we're experiencing a deep freeze. It's 5º outside in the Catskills. I like wearing my Covid mask because not only does it protect me and everyone else, it keeps my face warmer!

Enjoy your weekend, SCantiGOP.

[SCantiGOP]

70. Agree that the mask is good for warmth

And we are having a snow apocalypse in SC. Expect 2-3 inches by morning.
Context: we average just 1/2” a year, and this is the first measurable snow in the midlands since January 2017.
The good news: the kids are having a blast, and the low will be 28.
Good weekend to you too, Sir or Madam.

[PJMcK]

73. Stay safe and warm!

I'm Paul.

We were on the OBX last month when the show storm hit. We barely got to a safe hotel in Dover, DE.

Stay healthy, too.

[Silent3]

67. I finally got Shingrix a few months ago

First dose in August, I think, follow up two months later.

My wife went through a case of shingles and considered it pretty hellish. It seems like a good thing to avoid.

I must confess, however, I put off getting the vaccine for a few years, not out of reluctance, just a matter of not thinking about doing it often enough. On the other hand, I leapt at the first chance I could get for the COVID vaccine. I guess I'm more motivated by the public health aspect of it than the personal protection part of it.

Like any vaccine I've had recently (flu, COVID, tetanus booster), the only side effects I ever felt was a bit of arm soreness. I've been very lucky in that regard.

[Calista241]

71. The second I'm eligible for the shingles vaccine, I'm going to have my appt booked. N/t

[PJMcK]

72. Go to your pharmacy

Apparently, they will accept insurance whereas your doctor might not.

See the posts above.

Have a healthy weekend!

[Karma13612]

74. It's an expensive

Vax series, shingles.

Not sure but I don’t think Medicare covers it. That seems pretty stupid since the ads constantly push for us older folks to get it.

If they don’t lower the premium now that the dementia drug isn’t approved, maybe they could decide to cover the shingles vac in it’s place.

[PJMcK]

79. Medicare (Part D) covers it

Please see my post #11 above. There's a link that might be helpful.

[Karma13612]

80. Excellent! Thanks!!!!! Eom

[Mossfern]

78. I never had Chicken Pox

I think there may be an issue with the shingles vaccination for me.
I wonder if there's a test to see if I have had Chicken but was a sub-clinical case.

[DuaneT]

82. https://www.medicare.gov/coverage/shingles-shots

Part B will cover the seasonal flu shot, H1N1, and a pneumococcal vaccine. The COVID-19 vaccine also receives coverage from Part B. Now, Part D includes vaccines like Tdap and shingles.

For individuals at intermediate or high risk, Part B pays for the Hepatitis B vaccine.

[amaico]

83. good

You did the right thing.