The Cost of Vaccines (Not Covid)

[Darield]

At the end of last year I had to go to an Urgent Care because I sliced my finger and needed stitches. They would not give me a Tetanus shot and said go to the pharmacy. Although all of my deductibles were paid, The Pharmacy said it would be $110. I went to another Urgent Care and as long as I asked to have my finger re-bandaged and checked, the Tetanus shot was covered under my insurance and no charge. Once again, I went into a pharmacy for a Shingles shot and they wanted $220. My doctor said to get it at the pharmacy. I have spent a walloping $12 on prescriptions this year so I'm certainly not maxed out. The explanation from the pharmacy is; according to Medicare classic this is a pharmacy charge not a medical charge.

Has anyone else run into this problem? Does anyone have a solution other than to find a doctor's office that will give vaccines or pay these high prices?

[Keefelane66]

My medical plan covers all vaccinations at no charge pneumonia, shingle, flu last time I received a tetanus shot it was also covered at urgent care.

[Stu from NYC]

We have found pharmacies cheaper for injection but as I recall did have to pay something. Had shingles vaccine at sams but think it was covered by insurance

[champion6]

<snip> Once again, I went into a pharmacy for a Shingles shot and they wanted $220. My doctor said to get it at the pharmacy. I have spent a walloping $12 on prescriptions this year so I'm certainly not maxed out. The explanation from the pharmacy is; according to Medicare classic this is a pharmacy charge not a medical charge.

Has anyone else run into this problem? Does anyone have a solution other than to find a doctor's office that will give vaccines or pay these high prices?You haven't said what your insurance coverage is. Regarding the shingles shot, what you pay out-of-pocket depends on your insurance company.

My wife and I have Medicare. Each of us has a different prescription drug plan (Part D). For the 2 Shingrix shots (for shingles), my plan covered about 50% of the cost. My wife's plan covered hardly any of it. She saved a few dollars by using GoodRX instead of her part D plan.

My take -- when it comes to healthcare, it's a jungle out there!

[smurphy]

Before going to the pharmacy, call your insurance company to find out what your plan covers.

Once I went to the pharmacy for an injection ( don't remember what kind) and the pharmacist said it wasn't covered. Eventually they figured out that it should have been run against Medicare part B and not D, or perhaps the other way around. If you check with the insurance company first, you will know the truth when the clerk says sorry, not covered.

[keepsake]

Some of these 'vaccines' should be given in a medical environment. I will not trust the side-effect care available at a pharmacy.
This is one BAD MOVE by medicare.

[Taltarzac725]

I had two Shingrex shots at a local Walgreens. Both covered by my Florida Blue. Arm still hurts. It was a few days ago that I got the 2nd. Some pharmacies only take certain insurance but it varies by shots needed.

[tophcfa]

Got my shingles shots at CVS and both were totally covered by Blue Cross Blue Shield.

[coralway]

be careful next time, don’t slice your finger.

Problem solved.

[keepsake]

I read about someone who needed anaphylaxis treatment and pharmacy was unprepared for that.

Signs of an allergic reaction happen within minutes or hours after vaccination and include hives, swelling of the face and throat, difficulty breathing, a fast heartbeat, dizziness, or weakness. If you experience these or any other life-threatening symptoms, see a doctor right away.

There is a very small chance of a severe allergic reaction (anaphylaxis) to the shingles vaccine, as there is with other vaccines.

[OrangeBlossomBaby]

I pay nothing for my vaccines. They're all covered by insurance.

[OrangeBlossomBaby]

Some of these 'vaccines' should be given in a medical environment. I will not trust the side-effect care available at a pharmacy.
This is one BAD MOVE by medicare.

All pharmacies carry epinephrine. Some states authorize specially-trained pharmacists to administer it to people who buy and consume their rx. meds at their pharmacy and have an allergic reaction while there. All pharmacies carry antihistamines. All pharmacies carry a vast assortment and variety of first aid and accessories. All pharmacies have telephone access to 911. There's no prescription needed for any of those things other than the epinephrine.

Not sure why you'd type 'vaccines' as though you consider the word suspect. Also, pharmacies are medical environments, by their very nature.

[retiredguy123]

Medicare Part B covers some vaccines, but not the shingles vaccine. The Shingrix vaccine requires 2 shots and you need to pay separately for each shot, unless you have an insurance plan that will cover them. My Federal Blue Cross plan paid for mine.

Personally, I think the patient should pay for all of these relatively low cost medical procedures to encourage competitive pricing. Insurance should only cover the high priced procedures that most people can't afford.

[Worldseries27]

be careful next time, don’t slice your finger.

Problem solved.
really?

[golfing eagles]

All pharmacies carry epinephrine. Some states authorize specially-trained pharmacists to administer it to people who buy and consume their rx. meds at their pharmacy and have an allergic reaction while there. All pharmacies carry antihistamines. All pharmacies carry a vast assortment and variety of first aid and accessories. All pharmacies have telephone access to 911. There's no prescription needed for any of those things other than the epinephrine.

Not sure why you'd type 'vaccines' as though you consider the word suspect. Also, pharmacies are medical environments, by their very nature.

First, I have to disagree that a pharmacy is a "medical environment", since there aren't any medical professionals there.

Second, unless you are in a state that allows pharmacists to administer epinephrine, the drug that is stocked on the shelf won't do you much good.

Third, carrying "antihistamines" is not going to help someone who is likely to be unable to swallow. You need a running IV and intravenous diphenhydramine. Unless there happens to be a medical professional buying a greeting card in the store, you're out of luck

Fourth, a true anaphylactic reaction will develop in less than a minute or two, and in the case of laryngeal edema you will need to be intubated almost immediately. Good luck calling 911.

Finally, having "first aid supplies" is not going to help, you need a crash cart. (Although it is possible to perform an emergency tracheostomy with a pen knife and a bic pen, I'd rather not try it in a pharmacy)

[eeroger]

[QUOTE=Darield;2123252]At the end of last year I had to go to an Urgent Care because I sliced my finger and needed stitches. They would not give me a Tetanus shot and said go to the pharmacy. Although all of my deductibles were paid, The Pharmacy said it would be $110. I went to another Urgent Care and as long as I asked to have my finger re-bandaged and checked, the Tetanus shot was covered under my insurance and no charge. Once again, I went into a pharmacy for a Shingles shot and they wanted $220. My doctor said to get it at the pharmacy. I have spent a walloping $12 on prescriptions this year so I'm certainly not maxed out. The explanation from the pharmacy is; according to Medicare classic this is a pharmacy charge not a medical charge.

Has anyone else run into this problem? Does anyone have a solution other than to find a doctor's office that will give vaccines or pay these high prices?

No. I received my Shingles shot at Publix and Medicare covered it. Tetanus only needs to be given once every 10 years. You can google your vaccine records. Don't remember the exact site, bit wasn't hard to find.

[cherylncliff]

Medicare Part B covers some vaccines, but not the shingles vaccine. The Shingrix vaccine requires 2 shots and you need to pay separately for each shot, unless you have an insurance plan that will cover them. My Federal Blue Cross plan paid for mine.

Personally, I think the patient should pay for all of these relatively low cost medical procedures to encourage competitive pricing. Insurance should only cover the high priced procedures that most people can't afford.
The intent is to encourage people to get preventive care, like vaccines and checkups, to prevent needing much more expensive care, like hospitalization, after getting sick.

[Lindaws]

For shingles, once you are on Medicare , you pay for the “drug” that goes in the shot. We paid $36.

[virtue51]

Every insurance plan is different - no one can answer your question -- look at your insurance plan regarding coverage.

[NotGolfer]

What many don't know is, we can have an allergic reaction at any time. For instance I used to be able to take certain RX medications just fine....then later I couldn't due to an acquired allergic reaction. I now have 7 medications on my list of "DON'T GIVE THIS TO THEM". It makes things more complicated when one becomes ill. I had a reaction to the shingles shot (think it was the 2nd one)....if more would be required, I would take a pass. I also have issues with antibiotics and some pain meds as well.

[miketinawilliamson]

Try health department

[Birdrm]

I went to CVS and got my Covid booster and Shingles first dose for no cost!

[Whitley]

We have found pharmacies cheaper for injection but as I recall did have to pay something. Had shingles vaccine at sams but think it was covered by insurance

Does one need to have had chicken pox to get shingles?

[Whitley]

Some of these 'vaccines' should be given in a medical environment. I will not trust the side-effect care available at a pharmacy.
This is one BAD MOVE by medicare.

I know it sounds silly, but some folks are triggered by "quotations". May want to remove them? Maybe Not?

[jmpate]

Some vaccines like the Shingles shot, are given at pharmacies due to refrigeration requirements, shelf life and cost.
A tetanus shot is a customary injection with any type of cut especially if it's a dirty wound. UC Clinics generally have this med in stock as it's given often for injuries such as yours.

Agree w/other posts, that health insurances cover at different rates.
Suggest contacting ur PCP, requesting a tetanus shot if it's been more than 5 years since ur last one.

Hope this helps!


At the end of last year I had to go to an Urgent Care because I sliced my finger and needed stitches. They would not give me a Tetanus shot and said go to the pharmacy. Although all of my deductibles were paid, The Pharmacy said it would be $110. I went to another Urgent Care and as long as I asked to have my finger re-bandaged and checked, the Tetanus shot was covered under my insurance and no charge. Once again, I went into a pharmacy for a Shingles shot and they wanted $220. My doctor said to get it at the pharmacy. I have spent a walloping $12 on prescriptions this year so I'm certainly not maxed out. The explanation from the pharmacy is; according to Medicare classic this is a pharmacy charge not a medical charge.

Has anyone else run into this problem? Does anyone have a solution other than to find a doctor's office that will give vaccines or pay these high prices?

[golfing eagles]

Does one need to have had chicken pox to get shingles?

First straightforward medical question in quite a while---thank you.

Yes, you must have had chicken pox to get shingles (Herpes zoster)

When you are originally infected with Varicella (chicken pox), preferably as a child, the virus stays dormant in 33 pairs of dorsal root ganglia and 12 pairs of cranial nerve ganglia for the rest of your life. At some later point in that life, either due to concurrent illness, immunosuppression, stress, or just age, the virus can "crawl" down one of those nerves and cause the classic shingles skin breakout in just one dermatome. (You can actually have 2 adjacent dermatomes affected, but anything more is disseminated Zoster, in which case make sure your will is up to date.)

Now, there will be people who claim they got Zoster but never had chicken pox. In reality, 90+% of the population know they had it, and of the 10% who don't think they had it, 95% will have Varicella antibodies. The 0.5% of the population that actually never had chicken pox CANNOT get shingles. Also, know this---you can't get shingles from someone with shingles, you can only get primary chicken pox if you are not immune.

[Redsmom]

“Not sure why you'd type 'vaccines' as though you consider the word suspect…”

If the polio vaccine was only as effective as the COVID-19 “vaccine “ we would be in a world of hurt.

[Rose Ann Vinci Igoe]

At the end of last year I had to go to an Urgent Care because I sliced my finger and needed stitches. They would not give me a Tetanus shot and said go to the pharmacy. Although all of my deductibles were paid, The Pharmacy said it would be $110. I went to another Urgent Care and as long as I asked to have my finger re-bandaged and checked, the Tetanus shot was covered under my insurance and no charge. Once again, I went into a pharmacy for a Shingles shot and they wanted $220. My doctor said to get it at the pharmacy. I have spent a walloping $12 on prescriptions this year so I'm certainly not maxed out. The explanation from the pharmacy is; according to Medicare classic this is a pharmacy charge not a medical charge.

Has anyone else run into this problem? Does anyone have a solution other than to find a doctor's office that will give vaccines or pay these high prices?

I am on medicare and have No problem with all these shots FREE w my primary doctor. call your medicare and ask directly....

[Whitley]

First straightforward medical question in quite a while---thank you.

Yes, you must have had chicken pox to get shingles (Herpes zoster)

When you are originally infected with Varicella (chicken pox), preferably as a child, the virus stays dormant in 33 pairs of dorsal root ganglia and 12 pairs of cranial nerve ganglia for the rest of your life. At some later point in that life, either due to concurrent illness, immunosuppression, stress, or just age, the virus can "crawl" down one of those nerves and cause the classic shingles skin breakout in just one dermatome. (You can actually have 2 adjacent dermatomes affected, but anything more is disseminated Zoster, in which case make sure your will is up to date.)

Now, there will be people who claim they got Zoster but never had chicken pox. In reality, 90+% of the population know they had it, and of the 10% who don't think they had it, 95% will have Varicella antibodies. The 0.5% of the population that actually never had chicken pox CANNOT get shingles. Also, know this---you can't get shingles from someone with shingles, you can only get primary chicken pox if you are not immune.

Thank You. My medical records do not show chicken pox. Of course I can be in the ten percent who did not know. I mentioned to the doctor that I never had chicken pox and his brief answer was "yes you did". I had thought the unusual rashes and joint pain may be from cancer treatments I had. The pain is similar to what I felt when I was getting procrit shots. Thank you once again.

[retiredguy123]

I am on medicare and have No problem with all these shots FREE w my primary doctor. call your medicare and ask directly....
The Shingrix vaccine is not covered by Medicare Part A or Part B. It may be covered by a Part D drug plan, depending on the plan you have.

[Aces4]

First straightforward medical question in quite a while---thank you.

Yes, you must have had chicken pox to get shingles (Herpes zoster)

When you are originally infected with Varicella (chicken pox), preferably as a child, the virus stays dormant in 33 pairs of dorsal root ganglia and 12 pairs of cranial nerve ganglia for the rest of your life. At some later point in that life, either due to concurrent illness, immunosuppression, stress, or just age, the virus can "crawl" down one of those nerves and cause the classic shingles skin breakout in just one dermatome. (You can actually have 2 adjacent dermatomes affected, but anything more is disseminated Zoster, in which case make sure your will is up to date.)

Now, there will be people who claim they got Zoster but never had chicken pox. In reality, 90+% of the population know they had it, and of the 10% who don't think they had it, 95% will have Varicella antibodies. The 0.5% of the population that actually never had chicken pox CANNOT get shingles. Also, know this---you can't get shingles from someone with shingles, you can only get primary chicken pox if you are not immune.

Question: Can one have natural immunity to chickenpox even though they have never had chickenpox or been vaccinated?

[golfing eagles]

Question: Can one have natural immunity to chickenpox even though they have never had chickenpox?

Short answer, highly unlikely.

Your question is actually 2 questions in one:

1) Can someone who doesn't believe they ever had chicken pox have immunity?

Yes, since antibody studies show almost everyone who "never had chicken pox", actually did---a sub-clinical case, an exposure that triggered an immune response, etc.

2) Can someone who truly never had chicken pox or raised an antibody response, someone whose Varicella titer is zero have "natural immunity?

Highly improbable. The explanation would be fairly complex, but the simple version is that our immune system is constantly "experimenting" with theoretical antibodies against theoretical diseases. So technically, even if the Martian flu comes back with the samples NASA is planning on bringing back from Mars, there would be some people with "natural immunity". It's also a two edged sword. The "experimental" antibody could be harmful to ourselves, in which case it is supposed to be destroyed when it fails the test of "sameness" against our major histocompatibility complex in specialized immunologically active tissues. But when that "self-destruct" mechanism fails, we get autoimmune diseases, such as lupus or Hashimoto's thyroiditis. (Sorry, that was the simple version)

[Aces4]

Short answer, highly unlikely.

Your question is actually 2 questions in one:

1) Can someone who doesn't believe they ever had chicken pox have immunity?

Yes, since antibody studies show almost everyone who "never had chicken pox", actually did---a sub-clinical case, an exposure that triggered an immune response, etc.

2) Can someone who truly never had chicken pox or raised an antibody response, someone whose Varicella titer is zero have "natural immunity?

Highly improbable. The explanation would be fairly complex, but the simple version is that our immune system is constantly "experimenting" with theoretical antibodies against theoretical diseases. So technically, even if the Martian flu comes back with the samples NASA is planning on bringing back from Mars, there would be some people with "natural immunity". It's also a two edged sword. The "experimental" antibody could be harmful to ourselves, in which case it is supposed to be destroyed when it fails the test of "sameness" against our major histocompatibility complex in specialized immunologically active tissues. But when that "self-destruct" mechanism fails, we get autoimmune diseases, such as lupus or Hashimoto's thyroiditis. (Sorry, that was the simple version)

We have an interesting situation in that our youngest son did not contract chickenpox in the early eighties when his siblings were sick with them. I encouraged him to get a titer to check his immunity when he began employment in a hospital setting. He had immunity. His grandmother was the only one of eight siblings not to contract chickenpox when they were all ill with the pox. She raised a large family and we all had chickenpox at one time but she never contracted them and at a very ripe old age passed away without any history of shingles. Always made us wonder.

[golfing eagles]

We have an interesting situation in that our youngest son did not contract chickenpox in the early eighties when his siblings were sick with them. I encouraged him to get a titer to check his immunity when he began employment in a hospital setting. He had immunity. His grandmother was the only one of eight siblings not to contract chickenpox when they were all ill with the pox. She raised a large family and we all had chickenpox at one time but she never contracted them and at a very ripe old age passed away without any history of shingles. Always made us wonder.

Wonder what the result of a Varicella titer would have been. Of course, the overwhelming odds are that she would have been positive.

[JKELLYNY]

At the end of last year I had to go to an Urgent Care because I sliced my finger and needed stitches. They would not give me a Tetanus shot and said go to the pharmacy. Although all of my deductibles were paid, The Pharmacy said it would be $110. I went to another Urgent Care and as long as I asked to have my finger re-bandaged and checked, the Tetanus shot was covered under my insurance and no charge. Once again, I went into a pharmacy for a Shingles shot and they wanted $220. My doctor said to get it at the pharmacy. I have spent a walloping $12 on prescriptions this year so I'm certainly not maxed out. The explanation from the pharmacy is; according to Medicare classic this is a pharmacy charge not a medical charge.

Has anyone else run into this problem? Does anyone have a solution other than to find a doctor's office that will give vaccines or pay these high prices?

Check with your insurance company

[jimjamuser]

You haven't said what your insurance coverage is. Regarding the shingles shot, what you pay out-of-pocket depends on your insurance company.

My wife and I have Medicare. Each of us has a different prescription drug plan (Part D). For the 2 Shingrix shots (for shingles), my plan covered about 50% of the cost. My wife's plan covered hardly any of it. She saved a few dollars by using GoodRX instead of her part D plan.

My take -- when it comes to healthcare, it's a jungle out there!
As far as "a jungle" goes......the problem is that the US is the only major country that does not have a Single Payer system AKA National Health Care. Nixon tried to give the US a National Health Care system, but could NOT convince Congress. So now the bottom line is such that, we are stuck with this INSURANCE JUNGLE.

[rogerk]

Find a Primary Care Doctor so you have a relationship and history. IMO, You’ll get the best advice and most effective treatment rather than going to Urgent Care centers.

[Keefelane66]

At the end of last year I had to go to an Urgent Care because I sliced my finger and needed stitches. They would not give me a Tetanus shot and said go to the pharmacy. Although all of my deductibles were paid, The Pharmacy said it would be $110. I went to another Urgent Care and as long as I asked to have my finger re-bandaged and checked, the Tetanus shot was covered under my insurance and no charge. Once again, I went into a pharmacy for a Shingles shot and they wanted $220. My doctor said to get it at the pharmacy. I have spent a walloping $12 on prescriptions this year so I'm certainly not maxed out. The explanation from the pharmacy is; according to Medicare classic this is a pharmacy charge not a medical charge.

Has anyone else run into this problem? Does anyone have a solution other than to find a doctor's office that will give vaccines or pay these high prices?
The cost of Vaccines can be an issue. Unfortunately, a diabetic can spend up to $1200 monthly