With the rollout of the Covid-19 vaccine upon us, many are enthusiastic about taking a major step forward in ending the pandemic. But as seniors prepare to be inoculated against Covid-19, there is a second vaccine they should also consider: the shingles shot. Shingles is a painful skin rash caused by a reactivation of the same virus that causes the Chickenpox. If you are one of the 99% of adults over 50 years old who have had chickenpox, the virus that causes shingles is already inside your body. It can reactivate at any time and your risk increases with age. And, shingles is common, with 1 out of 3 people in the US developing shingles at some point in their lives.
Shingles is a medical issue that seniors should take seriously. Shingles typically produces a painful rash that blisters and scabs over in 7 to 10 days. People who get shingles often experience acute pain, and many describe the pain as aching, burning, stabbing, or shock-like. Due to the severity of symptoms often associated with shingles and the potential for longer-term complications, the National Institute on Aging recommends that people over the age of 50 receive the shingles shot.
As disconcerting as the prospect of getting shingles is, the shingles vaccination is good news for seniors who would like to protect themselves from the condition. The National Institute on Aging states, “The shingles vaccine is safe and easy, and it may keep you from getting shingles.” In fact, one of the available shingles vaccines is proven to be up to 90% effective in clinical trials. With so many reasons to get the shingles shot, one of the major obstacles that may prevent seniors from doing so is cost—with shingles vaccinations potentially costing hundreds of dollars.
Seniors on Medicare may have to satisfy a deductible or be responsible for sizable copayments when receiving the shingles shot. And, the pricing of the vaccine may not be transparent upfront, as insurances have vastly different pricing policies for the vaccination. These challenges can put the vaccine out of reach for many, but this does not have to be the case. Seniors on Medicare who are considering the vaccine should contact a knowledgeable expert before getting the shot to ensure they pay the lowest cost possible.
Please contact Blue Chip Financial in Saratoga Springs at 518-584-8057 for more information on how we can help you get the Shingles vaccine at an affordable price.
