Zostavax Medicare Coverage

Zostavax is a prescription medication that contains a zoster vaccine to protect against shingles.

Zostavax is a single dose, subcutaneous injection given in the fatty part of the skin. It is given one time and is indicated for adults 50 years of age and older.

Zostavax is a live vaccine that creates antibodies against the zoster infection.

Medicare Part D and Medicare Advantage Prescription Drug (MAPD) plans are required to cover Shingles vaccines such as Zostavax.

How much does Zostavax cost with Medicare Advantage plans?

Medicare Part B covers pneumococcal shots at no cost to you.

Does Medicare Advantage cover Zostavax?

Medicare Advantage plans with drug coverage are required to cover Shingles vaccines like Zostavax.

Some Medicare Advantage plans and Medicare Part D plans cover other prescription drugs that aren’t administered in a doctor’s office or by a medical professional.

• Medicare Advantage plans or Part D plans that cover drugs include copay amounts that can range widely from one plan to another. Plan members may also be responsible for meeting a deductible before the plan’s drug coverage kicks in.
  
  
• Medicare Advantage plans that offer prescription drug coverage are called Medicare Advantage Prescription Drug Plans (MA-PD). 89% of 2024 Medicare Advantage plans include prescription drug coverage.²
  
  
• Medicare prescription drugs plans each have their own formulary, or drug list, that details what prescription drugs are covered by the plan and how they are covered.

Drug coverage may vary based on plan availability. You may be able to find Medicare Advantage plan options in your area that cover prescription drugs. We represent carriers such as Humana, UnitedHealthcare^®, Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield, Aetna, Cigna Healthcare, Wellcare, or Kaiser Permanente.

You can also compare Part D prescription drug plans available where you live and enroll in a Medicare prescription drug plan online when you visit MyRxPlans.com.

Additional information

Zostavax is administered by a licensed healthcare provider only. You can receive Zostavax from your doctor’s office or local community pharmacy. Talk to your doctor about the availability of Zostavax in your area.

Vaccination should be delayed if you have a moderate or severe illness with or without fever or tuberculosis. Because this is a live vaccine, you should avoid close contact with pregnant women, newborns or people with weak immune systems for a period of time.

Vaccination with Zostavax does not guarantee immunity from the shingles virus.

This article is for informational purposes only. It is not healthcare advice, treatment, or diagnosis. It is not an endorsement of or recommendation for this medication. Speak to your doctor or healthcare provider about your specific healthcare needs, including your prescription medications. Only take medication as directed by your doctor.

Coverage and costs of prescription medications will vary by Medicare plan. Not all plans are available in all areas.

Written by Hayden Gharibyar, Pharm.D.