topic Re: New Shringrex shot for shingles in Community Chat

New Shringrex shot for shingles

chiclet — Thu, 27 Sep 2018 11:18:02 GMT

I got mine in August at Walgreens. The second part will be October to February. I know there is a shortage so I guess I will start trying in October or get on a waiting list . I told my Doctor I never had chickenpox and she ordered a test to find out. It turns out I did have chickpox so I got the new shot. My arm was very sore for a week. It is very very expensive.....My insurance covered it in full so I am very lucky.

Re: New Shringrex shot for shingles

Suzeecat — Thu, 27 Sep 2018 12:15:02 GMT

I got a shingles vaccine last February, I wonder if it was Shingrex, or the former one? My arm was sore for a week, and also a little itchy. I was happy that my insurance covered the cost as well.

Re: New Shringrex shot for shingles

NickNack — Thu, 27 Sep 2018 12:23:19 GMT

@Suzeecat wrote:
I got a shingles vaccine last February, I wonder if it was Shingrex, or the former one? My arm was sore for a week, and also a little itchy. I was happy that my insurance covered the cost as well.

@Suzeecat If they didn't tell you that you needed a second one, it was probably the old vaccine. I don't think they were giving the Shringrix vaccine at that time. You should call your doctor or pharmacy and find out which one it was. Shringrix is so much more effective that you should have that one, too.

Re: New Shringrex shot for shingles

Suzeecat — Thu, 27 Sep 2018 12:32:03 GMT

I would only get the new one if it was covered by my insurance. I'll ask, but I bet they tell me that they only cover one. I was disappointed to read that the one I got was only 30% effective! I guess it's better than nothing . . .

Re: New Shringrex shot for shingles

GinzTonic — Thu, 27 Sep 2018 12:37:42 GMT

I had this also about 2 weeks ago, my arm was really sore for 3 days !

Re: New Shringrex shot for shingles

NickNack — Thu, 27 Sep 2018 12:44:29 GMT

@Suzeecat My insurance covered most of it, and I had the first one. I think many people who get this one also had the first one. This one is completely different. Definitelly check with your insurance company. The pharmacy can also tell you how much your insurance company will cover. They told me.

Re: New Shringrex shot for shingles

Suzeecat — Thu, 27 Sep 2018 12:49:47 GMT

Good to know, thanks, Nick Nack!

Re: New Shringrex shot for shingles

151949 — Thu, 27 Sep 2018 12:56:31 GMT

@Suzeecat wrote:
I got a shingles vaccine last February, I wonder if it was Shingrex, or the former one? My arm was sore for a week, and also a little itchy. I was happy that my insurance covered the cost as well.

If they told you that you have to come back for a second shot it was the newest one - if not it was the old one.

Re: New Shringrex shot for shingles

151949 — Thu, 27 Sep 2018 12:58:46 GMT

If your insurance doesn't cover it , shop around. I saved $60 getting mine at Publix. I have to go for the second one between Oct and Feb.

Re: New Shringrex shot for shingles

SilleeMee — Thu, 27 Sep 2018 13:09:34 GMT

My pharmacist told me that Shingrix is not covered by many Medicare plans and there would be a charge for it. I am not on Medicare yet and my insurance pays 100% of the cost for the vaccine. Problem is no pharmacy around here has it and there are no 'waitlists' for it either. I just have to call everyday and check.

Re: New Shringrex shot for shingles

Allegheny — Thu, 27 Sep 2018 13:15:09 GMT

@Suzeecat @NickNack

Both DH & I have gotten the previous shingle vaccine Zostavax®. Our

PCP recommended we get the Shringrex vaccine.

We have Medicare A/B which doesn't cover the vaccine, but our supplemental insurance does. There lies our problem. Aetna told my husband that we can't just go to a pharmacy to get the shots, that we have to go to one with a minute clinic or healthcare clinic and they are affiliated now with CVS. That was the same procedure he had to go thru to get the Zostavax® vaccine, but they were then affiliated with Walgreens At that time there was no problem.

So we carted ourself to CVS. The minute clinic had the vaccine, but told us both we would get billed $179. My husband was extremely frustrated. He had done all "his homework" with Aetna before we drove there. We called Aetna from the parking lot and the representative didn't know why the CVS staff was giving him that reply. Yes, we probably could just send the bill to Aetna and ask for reimbursement, but my husband is stubborn, and rightfully expects CVS and Aetna to have their act together and be on the same page when giving out guidance to their customers.

Just wanted to give anyone a heads up to make sure wherever you get your vaccine to be sure to have them check if they can bill your insurer directly.

Re: New Shringrex shot for shingles

OKPrincess — Thu, 27 Sep 2018 13:33:30 GMT

I go on Medicare Monday so time for me to see how this system works. 🙀

Re: New Shringrex shot for shingles

Allegheny — Thu, 27 Sep 2018 13:54:03 GMT

@OKPrincess wrote:
I go on Medicare Monday so time for me to see how this system works. 🙀

Actually @OKPrincess I am very pleased so far with Medicare. I have the traditional parts A&B and my supplemental plan is a group plan I subscribe thru my former employer.

I have been on Medicare for 2 years. Thus far, between Medicare and my supplemental insurance I have not had to pay for anything out of pocket, that includes medication. Of course I do pay monthly premiums for Medicare and the group insurance plan supplemental which are deducted from my pension (former federal employee).

The only issue I noted when coverting from the insurance plan I had when employed is that there are some procedures they would pay for where Medicare will not. I have a lipoma on my inner arm at the elbow. Ugly thing. Medicare does not pay for removal, considers it cosmetic. However under my insurance when employed, they would.

Re: New Shringrex shot for shingles

patbz — Thu, 27 Sep 2018 13:57:39 GMT

@chiclet: There definitely is a nationwide shortage. I didn't get it in July when my provider had it, now they have a waiting list of 84, with priority going to those who did get the first shot (the pharmacist is getting it in batches of five shots!) have priority to get it.

Re: New Shringrex shot for shingles

Burnsite — Thu, 27 Sep 2018 13:58:56 GMT

I received it last May at my annual checkup. Very sore arm at first and then a little sore for a few weeks--but not too bad. I think it is an intramuscular (sp) shot, which hurts a little more. Second shot scheduled for Oct or Nov.

I know two people who have had repeated shingles attacks, so I'm eager to do what I can to avoid that illness!

Re: New Shringrex shot for shingles

OKPrincess — Thu, 27 Sep 2018 14:09:27 GMT

@Allegheny I signed up with Silver Script prescription so there will be some out of pocket expense.

It’s a rude awakening when going from employer insurance to Cobra to Marketplace and finally Medicare. (We retired early).

Re: New Shringrex shot for shingles

Allegheny — Thu, 27 Sep 2018 14:42:39 GMT

@OKPrincess Wow you've been "around the world" as far as health insurance goes. I retired at 56. DH and I were fortunate our employer offers medical insurance plans to carry over into retirement and became Medicare eligible.

Re: New Shringrex shot for shingles

RespectLife — Thu, 27 Sep 2018 14:45:12 GMT

Shingrix, the new vaccine, did not become available until October 2017.

If you had a vac shot prior to that date...it was NOT Shingrix.

Re: New Shringrex shot for shingles

SeaMaiden — Thu, 27 Sep 2018 15:00:47 GMT

My Husband and I had the regular, not the newer form of shingle shot last fall.... with all the hassle of pharmacies being out of it... etc, we will just go with the shots we had for a while until supplies catch up with demand.

It is almost like they are scaring people into wanting the newer shot to the point of panic... which causes shortages. Phamacutical companies pull this scam to the public... and jack up the prices too to get the most bang for the buck.

I am sure for those who got the original shingles shots, you are just fine and not to feel panic to get the new shot right this moment.

Re: New Shringrex shot for shingles

chrystaltree — Thu, 27 Sep 2018 15:08:53 GMT

There's a shortage here, I'm going to wait until 11/1 when more of it should be in supply.