Are 65 year olds eligible for the shingles vaccine?

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that one in three people in the United States will develop shingles in their lifetime, with the risk increasing significantly with age. This makes the question, are 65 year olds eligible for the shingles vaccine, a critical health concern for seniors.

Quick Summary

Yes, 65-year-olds are eligible for the shingles vaccine, as the CDC recommends it for all healthy adults aged 50 and older to prevent this painful viral infection and its potential complications, like postherpetic neuralgia.

Key Points

• Eligibility Confirmed: Yes, healthy 65-year-olds are fully eligible for the shingles vaccine, which is recommended for all adults 50 and older.

• Two-Dose Series: The recommended vaccine, Shingrix, is given as a two-dose series, with the second shot administered 2 to 6 months after the first.

• High Effectiveness: Shingrix is highly effective, with clinical studies showing greater than 90% efficacy in preventing shingles in healthy adults over 50.

• Superior to Older Vaccine: Shingrix is the preferred vaccine over the older, discontinued Zostavax, offering significantly better and longer-lasting protection.

• Cost Coverage: Medicare Part D covers the shingles vaccine at no cost-sharing for most beneficiaries, with many private insurance plans also providing full coverage.

• Side Effects are Minor: While temporary side effects like soreness or fatigue can occur, they are generally mild and resolve quickly, and are a small price to pay for protection.

• Reduces Risk of Serious Complications: Vaccinating significantly lowers the risk of developing complications such as postherpetic neuralgia and potential vision loss.

Who is Eligible for the Shingles Vaccine?

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), all healthy adults aged 50 and older should receive the recombinant zoster vaccine (RZV), known as Shingrix. This includes 65-year-olds. The CDC recommends a two-dose series even if you've had chickenpox or the older Zostavax vaccine, which is no longer available in the U.S. The risk of shingles and complications like postherpetic neuralgia increases with age.

Why Shingrix is the Recommended Vaccine

Shingrix is preferred due to its high effectiveness, over 90% in healthy adults over 50, and 91% for those 70 and older, offering better protection than Zostavax. This is especially important for seniors with naturally weakening immune systems.

The Shingrix Vaccination Process

Shingrix is a two-dose vaccine. The first dose is an injection in the upper arm. The second dose is given 2 to 6 months later. Completing both doses is essential for maximum protection.

Potential Side Effects

Temporary side effects, lasting 2 to 3 days, are common and indicate the immune system is responding. For more information, visit {Link: Shingrix.com https://www.shingrix.com/side-effects/}.

Cost and Coverage for Seniors

Cost is a concern, but many insurance plans, including Medicare, cover the vaccine.

Medicare Coverage for Shingrix

Shingrix is covered under Medicare Part D, and there are generally no out-of-pocket costs for ACIP-recommended adult vaccines like Shingrix due to the Inflation Reduction Act. Medicare Advantage plans also often cover the vaccine with no cost to the beneficiary.

Private Health Insurance

Most private plans also cover the vaccine. Confirm coverage with your provider.

Shingrix vs. Zostavax: A Comparative Look

Zostavax is discontinued.

Feature	Shingrix (RZV)	Zostavax (Discontinued)
Vaccine Type	Recombinant (non-live)	Live Attenuated
Doses Required	2 doses, 2–6 months apart	1 dose
Efficacy	>90% in healthy adults over 50	Waning effectiveness over time
Protection from PHN	>90% effective	~67% effective initially
Immunity	Durable, long-lasting	Wanes after about 5 years
Recommendation	Recommended for all eligible adults	Discontinued in the U.S. in 2020

Why Vaccination is Crucial for Older Adults

Older adults face higher risks of severe shingles complications: Postherpetic Neuralgia (PHN), Vision Loss, and potential increased risk of Stroke and Heart Attack. The benefits of vaccination outweigh the minor side effects. Shingrix offers crucial protection for healthy aging. For more information, visit the official {Link: CDC website https://www.cdc.gov/shingles/vaccines/index.html}.

Conclusion: Taking Control of Your Health at 65+

Being 65 makes you eligible for the shingles vaccine, as recommended by the CDC. The two-dose Shingrix vaccine provides strong protection against shingles and its complications. With good insurance coverage options like Medicare, getting vaccinated is accessible. Discuss vaccination with your healthcare provider or pharmacist.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can a 65-year-old get the shingles vaccine even if they've already had shingles?

Yes, even if you have had a shingles outbreak in the past, the CDC recommends getting vaccinated. The vaccine helps prevent future occurrences, as it is possible to get shingles more than once.

Do I need the shingles vaccine if I had the chickenpox vaccine?

Yes, you should still get the shingles vaccine. The chickenpox vaccine protects against chickenpox, but the shingles vaccine is specifically designed to prevent the reactivation of the varicella-zoster virus that causes shingles.

How long do I have to wait to get the shingles vaccine after a shingles episode?

There is no specific waiting period, but generally, you should wait until the shingles rash has completely disappeared before getting vaccinated. Your healthcare provider can advise you on the best timing.

What is the difference between Shingrix and the older vaccine, Zostavax?

Shingrix is a non-live, recombinant vaccine that is more than 90% effective and given in two doses. Zostavax was a live attenuated vaccine with less effectiveness that waned over time and is no longer available in the U.S.

How is the shingles vaccine paid for if you are 65?

If you are 65 and have a Medicare Part D prescription drug plan or a Medicare Advantage plan that includes prescription drug coverage, the shingles vaccine is typically covered with no out-of-pocket costs.

Where can a 65-year-old get the shingles vaccine?

You can get the Shingrix vaccine at most doctor's offices and pharmacies. You can use tools like Vaccines.gov to find a provider near you.

Is there an age limit for getting the shingles vaccine?

No, there is no maximum age for receiving the Shingrix vaccine. The CDC recommends it for healthy adults aged 50 and older, with no upper age restriction.