Shingles

What is Shingles?
Shingles, also known as Herpes Zoster (or Zoster), is a painful skin rash caused by the Varicella Zoster Virus (VZV). VZV is the same as chicken pox. After having chicken pox, the virus stays in the body and usually remains inactive until the later years when it can become active again, resulting in shingles.

Why get immunized?
It is estimated that over half a million cases of shingles occur in older Americans every year. One out of two people age 85 or older will have shingles. People who have medical conditions and receive immunosuppressive drugs are also at greater risk for shingles.

What is the cost of being vaccinated?
All Medicare Part D plans cover the shingles vaccine. The amount of cost-sharing (money you have to pay) for vaccination varies. Medicare Part B does not cover the shingles vaccine. Private insurance companies and Medicaid may or may not cover the vaccine, contact your insurer to find out.

Download an information sheet from the CDC.