Most major private insurance companies cover Shingrix, a new shingles vaccine that clinical studies show is more effective than an older vaccine called Zostavax. 

Since it was approved by the US Food and Drug Administration in June 2018, Shingrix still has no generic equivalent, and some insurers charge a high copayment, but that situation is changing rapidly. Since the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recently recommended Shingrix over Zostavax, more insurers are beginning to cover it for free. Medicare covers it under part D, but not parts A or B. Check with your insurance company about coverage before getting vaccinated.

The manufacturer’s price for Shingrix is $140 per shot, and many pharmacies charge well above that. Consumers can compare prices online at aarp.org, consumerreports.org, and goodrx.com, among other sites.