Got my Shingles vaccine

[Mukilteo]

I was given Valtrex 1GM for it. (Still have some left over.)

[Mukilteo]

That was 2005. I don't remember.

[nevadatear]

Fyi, the shingles vaccine, as recommended by cdc, if free as a covered benefit under the affordable care act for those over 60. HOWEVER and it is a big however, you must have insurance, or medicare, and you must receive it from a preferred provider. Your primary care provider would automatically be a preferred provider, HOWEVER, many choose not to stock the vaccine due to 1) expense and 2) storage requirements (it must be kept frozen). If your dr tells you he will give you a prescription, then bring it back for administration, it will NOT be covered even though your dr's office gives it. HOWEVER (again). Most all insurances also cover one of the pharmacies that give the shot as a preferred provider, but not all. So you have to call your insurance to see whether it is CVS, or Vons, or Safeway or sav on or no name corner grocery is the one of choice.

But, it is important to get the shot. As a school nurse, i am seeing more and more of the staff at my schools coming down with shingles at earlier ages. One this year was 35. I am 54 and spent the money for the shot out of my pocket. Do NOT want nerve pain any more than i already have from my amputated thumb.

[nevadatear]

Oh and shingles medicine helps, but it Does not take the pain away. Avoid shingles at all costa. Zostrix

[Phooey]

I agree with Debbie, do whatever it takes to get the vaccine. I dealt with insurance companies to get authorizations for medical treament for patients as part of my job for 14 years. They will try every excuse under the sun to avoid covering something even though it is clearly written that they must cover it. They will enventually cave.

I had shingles, it's nasty just like the commercial says. I have an HMO and believe me, they paid for that shot for me. Just wear the creeps down.

[Woodbutcher]

What does it cost out of pocket, to get a shot?

[CarlLaFong]

That picture is not shingles. It is a hematoma or, in layman's terms, a bruise.
Shingles is a herpes zoster infection with a blistery rash

[Mukilteo]

Yep that was a bruise. The injury, or if you want to call the trauma, brought on the shingles.

[CarlLaFong]

^^^^^Ahhh, that must have been lovely to look at and to experience

[corncountry]

My wife went to the Dr. this afternoon, she has shingles again. This is the third time. Although she had the shot last year.
I guess the shot doesn't always work.

Jim

[nevadatear]

Shot doesn't always work, especially if you have already had a case, but can lessen the intensity and reduce the likelihood of another breakout, but not eliminate it. Cost without insurance is anywhere from $160 to $250. Absolutely shop around. With or without insurance, you will need a prescription if you go to a pharmacy that administers.

[Richard A.]

The shingles outbreak varies from person to person. I had an outbreak over a year ago. It started VERY gradually .. over the course of many weeks .. then it peaked for a few weeks .. and (again, over the course of many weeks) dissipated. I was in serious pain for well over a month. (the start was a rash, then an itchy rash, then a painful rash)

Yet a friend of mine had an outbreak that lasted a week, or maybe two and then he was fine.

Once I turned 65 I got my shot. My co-pay was $45 and it was well worth it.

IF YOU EVER HAVE HAD CHICKENPOX AS A CHILD .. I URGE YOU TO GET THE SHOT.

[aggie79]

What does it cost out of pocket, to get a shot?

You have to pay for shots? Seems like you guys have to pay for everything down your way.

We pay ours directly rather than paying someone else who then pays the provider.

[jstrubberg]

What does it cost out of pocket, to get a shot?

You have to pay for shots? Seems like you guys have to pay for everything down your way.

We pay ours directly rather than paying someone else who then pays the provider.

For now, anyway.

[Lesbest]

I got shingles about 4 or 5 years ago and at the time my Dr. said, I would not live long enough to need a vac. Your body builds up the immune system so your not likely to get it again. Use the money for something in the TD......now to get the insurance to pay for it???

Les