Shingles (herpes zoster) is a painful rash caused by the reactivation of the varicella-zoster virus, the same virus responsible for chickenpox. Nearly all adults over 50 carry this virus, which can reactivate and cause a distinct blistering rash and nerve pain. The most common complication is postherpetic neuralgia (PHN), long-term nerve pain that can persist for months or years after the rash clears. Vaccination is the best way to prevent the disease, and major pharmacy chains like CVS provide accessible locations for protection.
The Shingles Vaccine Used by CVS
CVS Pharmacy exclusively administers the recombinant zoster vaccine (RZU), commercially known as Shingrix. This vaccine is the only one currently available and recommended for shingles prevention in the United States. This choice aligns with the guidance provided by the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP), which advises the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
Shingrix is a non-live, adjuvanted vaccine. It contains a piece of the virus (glycoprotein E) combined with an immune-system booster called an adjuvant. This formulation creates a strong and long-lasting immune response against the virus. The vaccine is administered as an intramuscular injection, typically into the deltoid muscle of the arm.
Dosing Schedule and Effectiveness
The Shingrix vaccine is administered as a two-dose series for full protection against shingles. The second dose should be received between two and six months after the first dose. Completing the entire series is important, as clinical trials demonstrated full efficacy using this schedule.
This vaccine offers robust protection, showing greater than 90% effectiveness at preventing shingles in adults 50 years and older. It is also highly effective at preventing postherpetic neuralgia, with efficacy rates around 91% in the same age group. If the recommended six-month window for the second dose is missed, the series does not need to be restarted; the second shot should be received as soon as possible.
Who Should Get Vaccinated and How to Schedule
The CDC recommends the two-dose Shingrix series for all healthy adults aged 50 years and older. It is also recommended for adults aged 19 and older who have a weakened immune system due to disease or therapy. This recommendation applies even if the individual previously had shingles or received the older Zostavax vaccine.
To receive the vaccine at a CVS location, individuals can schedule an appointment online through the CVS website or app. While walk-ins may be accommodated at many CVS Pharmacy and MinuteClinic locations, scheduling in advance ensures vaccine availability and minimizes waiting time. Pharmacists can answer eligibility questions and administer the vaccine during the scheduled appointment.
Insurance Coverage and Out-of-Pocket Costs
Insurance coverage for Shingrix is generally comprehensive, but the final out-of-pocket cost depends on the patient’s specific health plan. The Affordable Care Act (ACA) requires most private health insurance plans to cover all ACIP-recommended vaccines, including Shingrix, with no cost-sharing (no copayment or deductible). Individuals with Medicare Part D prescription drug coverage also pay zero dollars out-of-pocket for the vaccine series, following changes implemented in 2023.
It is advisable to confirm coverage with the insurance provider or the CVS pharmacy before the appointment, as plan details can vary. For individuals who are uninsured or whose insurance does not cover the vaccine, the average cost for a single dose without insurance is approximately $257.75. Manufacturer assistance programs may be available for those who need help covering the cost.