It's Official: Get Your Shingles Vaccination

Reader Comments
Back to article

What makes the cost of this vaccine so expensive and why does Medicare or certain insurance plans refuse to pay for it? Is it safe to get it at a drug store rather than in a doctor's office. It is almost a hundred dollars cheaper at the drug store location.

Lillian Foy of NC 6:02PM May 05, 2012

Does Blue Cross Blue Shield New Mexico cover co-pay to VA for shingles shot?

WILLIAM M CARVER of NM 12:45PM April 04, 2012

I have had shingles two times. I got them over a year ago, had them for three months, they went away and erupted a month later in a different place. I do not have a rash any more, just mortal unforgiving pain. People around me do not understand why I still have pain if there is no rash anymore. My employer is having trouble understanding why I have so many health problems. My blood pressure (because of pain and depression) is high and I get sick often. It has been over a year and shingles have been the focus of my life lately. I am a 48 yr old female with a terrible quality of life. I got the shingles right after being in the hospital with a terrible pneumonia.

Cathy Almand of TX 3:27PM April 03, 2012

I am 38 and have had stress induced shingles for the last 4 years. I have been on all the meds, and have not had an outbreak for 6 mo. i just got the shot today and realized when i got home i had a pach on my back. Is the shot going to work or what will happen. i've already talked to the pharmisist and she is looking into it.

Jessica of WA 8:31PM February 22, 2012

I have lesions under my abd folds and groin
any ung that might help (topical

tana of PA 12:42PM January 23, 2012

I'm not sure if I ever had chicken pox as a child. Is there any blood test to find out? Should I still get the vaccine?

Lili of MI 12:06PM November 19, 2011

You CAN'T GET IT most places. We've called weekly for MONTHS to our local health department, and it simply IS NOT THERE. We'd be happy to get it, but where can we find it?

J Smith of TX 12:25PM October 26, 2011

Just getting over Shingles as we speak. It started with pain in my left side and down my left arm. It felt like a pulled muscle but 1-2 days later, I noticed a rash from my left shoulder down to my left wrist.Went to the E.R. and was given Valtrex, Prednisone,and Vicodin for pain. Felt a burning and tingling sensation 24/7. Sleeping was very difficult. Right now, my blisters are crusted over and the burning feeling is almost gone. Still have pain in my arm but am taking Vicodin and it seems to be helping.If you feel a " muscle pain" or a warm pain on one side of your body, then most likely it is the beginning stages of Shingles. Getting Anti-Virals started will lessen the severity of the outbreak by about 50%.

Al of CA 11:04PM October 25, 2011

THE ABOVE STATEMENTS AT ONE POINT STATES THAT DRS. ADVISE WAITING 2 YRS, TO GET VACCINE. YET, SUBSEQUENT ARTICLE STATES THAT VACCINE SHOULD BE GIVEN, EVEN THOUGH G.P. CONSIDERES THE SHINGLES ACTIVE, AND WILL NOT GIVE ME VACCINATION FOR 6 MONTHS. WHAT SHOULD I DO. I AM VERY CONFUSED BY SUCH DIFFERENT OPINIONS. PLEASE ADVISE ME AS TO WHICH IS THE BEST ADVISE. THANK YOU, MARY MILLER

MARY MILLER of TN 11:29AM October 12, 2011

My G.P. said that since I have active shingles, I cannot receive the shingles shot. I did receive a flu shot. I was told by the same G.P. that I have to wait 6 months to get shingles shot. Is that correct? Please advise me. During routine visit to oncologist, he said marks on my shoulder,was due to insect bites. After those sores healed, I got same marks on opposit shoulder and upper back. Was in a lot of pain in both shoulders. I am in remission from breast cancer. Ist. cancer accured in 99, and was in Situ. Second cancer, in late 2004,early 2005, requiring 3 surgeries, was invasive, classified as a partial Mastectomy.1st cancer was treated with Tamoxifin, 2nd was Avista. Am still cancer free. Please advise me as what to do about the reception of a shingles shot. Can I have one, or must I wait the 6 months. Thank you, for your time. Sincerely, Mary Miller

Mary Miller of TX 11:05AM October 12, 2011