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Get a no-cost shingles vaccine today

The shingles (herpes zoster) vaccine is provided at no cost with most insurance plans. Plus, get a $5 off $20 coupon* for the next time you shop at CVS®. Age and other restrictions apply.*

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Eligibility information about the 
shingles vaccine

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommend that adults 50 years and older and adults 19 years and older with weakened immune systems due to disease or therapy, get two doses of the shingles vaccine to help prevent shingles and complications from the disease.

 

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What you should know about shingles

Varicella-zoster is a virus that causes rashes

Shingles, a rash caused by varicella-zoster, often appears on one side of the face or body. The rash consists of blisters that typically scab over and fully clear up within two to four weeks. 

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1 in 3 people will develop shingles

According to the CDC, vaccination is the only way to protect against shingles and postherpetic neuralgia (PHN), the most common complication from shingles. Fortunately, the shingles (herpes zoster) vaccine is more than 90% effective* in preventing shingles in people 50+ with healthy immune systems. 

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Are you in either of these two groups?

The CDC recommends two doses of the shingles vaccine (separated by two to six months) for the following groups*:


  • Adults ages 50 and older
  • Anyone 19 years or older who has a weakened immune system because of disease or therapy 

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FAQs

Shingles is caused by the same virus that causes chickenpox, called varicella zoster (VZV). After a person recovers from chickenpox, the virus stays dormant (inactive) in their body. The virus can reactivate later, causing shingles.

If you have shingles, direct contact with the fluid from your rash blisters can spread the virus to people who have never had chickenpox or never received the chickenpox vaccine. If this happens and if they become infected, they will develop chicken pox, not shingles. They could then potentially develop shingles later in life.*

Research has shown that two doses of Shingrix provide strong protection against shingles and postherpetic neuralgia (PHN), the most common complication of shingles, specifically:

  • In adults 50 to 69 years old with normal immune systems, Shingrix was about 97% effective in preventing shingles; in adults 70 years and older, Shingrix was 91% effective.
  • In adults 50 years and older, Shingrix was 91% effective in preventing PHN; in adults 70 years and older, Shingrix was 89% effective.
  • In adults with weakened immune systems, Shingrix was between 68% and 91% effective in preventing shingles, depending on the adult’s underlying immunocompromising condition.
  • In people 70 years and older who had normal immune systems, Shingrix immunity remained high even seven years after being vaccinated.

Learn more about shingles vaccination from the CDC

 

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that healthy adults 50 years and older get two doses of the recombinant zoster vaccine, separated by two to six months, to help prevent shingles and the complications from the disease. Some patients ages 19 and older who have a weakened immune system due to disease or therapy of shingles may be eligible for vaccination.

Please refer to the CDC shingles vaccination page for the most updated information.

Medicare Part B covers preventative care vaccines for flu, COVID-19 and pneumococcal pneumonia at no cost. Medicare Part B also covers hepatitis B shots for certain people at no cost. Certain other vaccines, such as vaccines used for treatment purposes or vaccines not recommended by the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP), may be covered with cost sharing. Visit Medicare.gov to learn more.

You should not get the Shingrix vaccine* if you:

  • Have ever had a severe allergic reaction to any component of the vaccine or after a dose of Shingrix.
  • Currently have shingles.

You should wait to get the Shingrix vaccine if you:

  • Are currently pregnant.
  • Have a moderate or severe illness, with or without fever. You should probably wait until you recover. If, however, you have a minor illness, such as a cold, you may get the Shingrix vaccine.

Learn more about shingles vaccination from the CDC

 

Because the vaccine helps your body create a strong defense against shingles, you are likely to have temporary side effects from getting the shots. You may experience side effects after either dose or after both doses, such as:

  • Redness, soreness or swelling at the site of the vaccination.
  • Tiredness, muscle pain, headache, shivering, fever, stomach pain or nausea.

Side effects may affect the ability to do normal daily activities. However, symptoms usually go away on their own in about two to three days.*

For many people, the early signs are pain, itching or tingling in the area(s) where a painful skin rash will later appear.

Learn more about shingles symptoms and complications from the CDC

You should get Shingrix even if you previously:

  • Had shingles
  • Received Zostavax
  • Received the varicella (chickenpox) vaccine

There is no maximum age that eliminates the need for getting Shingrix.

Learn more about shingles vaccination from the CDC

 

They are related because they are caused by the same virus (varicella-zoster virus). Even after a person recovers from chickenpox, the virus remains dormant (inactive) in the body. Years later, it can reactivate and cause shingles. Keep in mind, more than 99% of Americans born on or before 1980 have had chickenpox. So even if you don’t remember having the disease, you should talk with your health care provider about getting the Shingrix vaccine.

Learn more about shingles vaccination from the CDC

 

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  • *FOR $5 OFF $20 COUPON: Offer available January 8, 2025, through August 10, 2025, while supplies last. Appointments scheduled online will receive the coupon after vaccination. Limit one per customer per vaccine visit. For vaccines that require multiple doses, the coupon will be given with vaccine series completion. Merchandise coupon redeemable at CVS Pharmacy® and Longs Drugs® for one-time use. Terms and conditions apply. See coupon for details. $5 savings applied to total qualifying minimum purchase of $20 (after other coupons and discounts are applied). Reward cannot be earned in Arkansas, New Jersey or New York. This offer is solely made by CVS® and not connected with any vaccine manufacturer.

  • *FOR VACCINES OFFERED: Availability varies by state based on regulations. Age restrictions apply. Available when a certified immunizer is on duty. Eligible patients will not pay any copayments unless otherwise required by their plan, including Medicare Part B. Vaccines are currently available at most CVS Pharmacy® and MinuteClinic® locations and is no cost with most insurance plans.

  • *FOR MORE THAN 90% EFFECTIVE: The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Shingles vaccination. Published July 19, 2024. Accessed January 10, 2025.

  • *FOR WHO SHOULD GET THE SHINGLES VACCINE: The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Shingles vaccination. Published July 19, 2024. Accessed January 10, 2025.

  • *FOR RSV: Respiratory syncytial virus.

  • *FOR REWARDS AT THE PHARMACY: You must enroll in the ExtraCare® program and sign the Privacy Authorization to earn ExtraBucks Rewards® for pharmacy activities. You will receive $2 ExtraBucks Rewards when you accumulate 4 credits, up to $50 ExtraBucks Rewards in a calendar year. Rewards at the pharmacy are valid only in the United States and are not available in Arkansas, New Jersey or New York; for any prescriptions transferred to a CVS Pharmacy® in Alabama, Mississippi or Oregon; for any controlled substance prescriptions purchased in Hawaii or Louisiana; or where otherwise prohibited by law. Check terms and conditions for details or ask a CVS® pharmacy team member for a copy.

  • *FOR IS SHINGLES CONTAGIOUS: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. About shingles (herpes zoster). Published May 10, 2024. Accessed December 10, 2024.

  • *FOR WHO SHOULD NOT GET VACCINATED: This content is for informational purposes only and is not medical advice. This is not an all-inclusive list of who should not be vaccinated. Consult with your health care provider or talk to your CVS Pharmacy® certified immunizer to see if the vaccine is right for you.

  • *FOR SHINGLES SIDE EFFECTS: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Shingles vaccination. Published July 19, 2024 January 25, 2018. Accessed January 10, 2025.