Walgreens pharmacies offer the shingles vaccine, known as Shingrix, providing a convenient and accessible option for individuals seeking protection against this condition. This availability extends across most Walgreens and Duane Reade locations nationwide, including Puerto Rico.
How to Obtain Your Vaccine at Walgreens
You can begin by scheduling an appointment online through the Walgreens website, or you may choose to call your local pharmacy directly. While appointments are recommended to ensure availability, walk-ins are also accommodated during pharmacy and clinic hours, depending on staff availability.
When you arrive for your vaccination, bring a valid photo identification and your insurance card. A consultation with the pharmacist will occur before the injection. This discussion allows the pharmacist to confirm your eligibility and address any questions you might have about the vaccine.
The vaccine is administered by an immunization-trained pharmacist or other qualified health professional. Vaccinations are typically available during regular pharmacy hours, which can include evenings, weekends, and even overnights at 24-hour locations.
Eligibility and Financial Considerations
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends the Shingrix vaccine for all healthy adults aged 50 years and older. This recommendation applies even if you have previously experienced shingles or received an older shingles vaccine. The vaccine is also recommended for adults aged 18 years and older who are or will be at an increased risk of shingles due to a weakened immune system.
Regarding financial aspects, most health insurance plans, including Medicare Part D, typically cover the Shingrix vaccine. The Affordable Care Act requires many private health insurance plans and Health Insurance Marketplace plans to cover recommended vaccines with no out-of-pocket costs, such as deductibles or co-payments, when administered in-network.
It is advisable to contact your insurance provider before your visit to confirm coverage details specific to your plan. While the manufacturer’s listed price for the two-dose series can be around $395.80, or about $197.90 per dose, many individuals pay nothing due to insurance coverage. Walgreens can also assist in checking your vaccine cost through their systems.
Post-Vaccination Information
After receiving the Shingrix vaccine, you may experience some temporary side effects, which are a normal indication of your immune system building protection. Common reactions include pain, redness, and swelling at the injection site. Other general effects can involve muscle pain, fatigue, headache, shivering, fever, and an upset stomach.
These side effects are typically mild to moderate and usually resolve within two to three days. You should still receive the second dose, even if you experienced reactions after the first. Over-the-counter pain relievers, such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen, can help manage discomfort.
The Shingrix vaccine is administered as a two-dose series. The second dose is usually given two to six months after the first to ensure optimal protection. For individuals who are immunocompromised, the second dose might be given sooner, typically one to two months after the first.
While severe reactions are rare, seek medical attention immediately if you experience signs of a serious allergic reaction, such as hives, swelling of the face or throat, difficulty breathing, or a fast heartbeat. These symptoms warrant prompt medical evaluation.