Laura Mutsko Agent and CSA

Q: Does Medicare cover the shingles vaccine?

A: Yes. As of January 1, 2023, Medicare provides 100% coverage for Shingrix, the vaccine for shingles, for people with a Medicare Part D prescription plan or a Medicare Advantage plan with prescription coverage.

The CDC recommends adults 50 years and older receive two doses of the vaccine to prevent shingles and related complications. Shingrix is also recommended for adults 19 years and older who have weakened immune systems because of disease or therapy.

According to the CDC, Shingrix is recommended even if in the past you:

• Had shingles

• Received Zostavax

• Received varicella (chickenpox) vaccine

Prior to the introduction of the chickenpox vaccine in the U.S. in 1995, chickenpox was a common childhood illness contracted by most children before age 10. It caused an itchy blistery rash and according to the CDC, “more than 99% of Americans born on or before 1980 have had chickenpox, even if they don’t remember having the disease.” Once infected, the virus lies dormant in the nerve cells and may reactivate later in life as a painful skin rash called shingles. The Shingrix vaccine is more than 90% effective in preventing shingles.

Shingrix replaced Zostavax in November 2020. But even if you received Zostavax before it was retired, the CDC recommends getting inoculated with Shingrix: two doses for adults 50 and older spaced two to six months apart.

According to the CDC, you can get Shingrix even if you do not remember having had chickenpox in the past, however you should always discuss all your concerns and questions about Shingrix with your healthcare provider and follow their advice.

If you have questions or concerns about health insurance including Medicare Advantage plans and Medicare Supplements, please contact me at 440-255-5700 or email your questions to me at Lmutsko@ mutskoinsurance.com.

Laura Mutsko Mutsko Insurance

Services, LLC 6982 Spinach Drive Mentor, OH 44060

440-255-5700 www.mutskoinsurance.com We do not offer every plan available in your area. Any information we provide is limited to those plans we do offer in your area. Please contact Medicare. gov or 1-800-MEDICARE to get information on all of your options.