Shingles Vaccine

I didn't know where else to post this information so if you need to move it, it is OK..

Anyway, the FDA has approved the so called "Shingles Vaccine" and so Tricare has added it to its list of covered formularies. So, if you have been advised to get the shot, it is now covered....Information came from the Tricare Administration for the North Region. You might want to check with your Tricare Servicing administration for your region(s)....

I understand that anyone that had childhood "chicken pox" carry a higher risk of contracting "shingles" and should get this vaccine, especially if you are over 50......

My wife and I both got the shot last week at Little Creek Naval clinic in Va. It don't hurt and we had no reactions.

If you have not had shingles get the vaccine. I've had them and it is no pleasure ride. They are painful and can have lasting effects. Even if you have to pay some or all, it is worth it. I wish they had it available a few years ago.

We were at Fort Jackson today (10-10-08) to get our prescriptions refilled and do some shopping. While at the hospital I went to the information counter to see if we could get a shingles shot. They were out and told us to keep checking back. They also told us that even though TRICARE would pay for the shots they would have to be given at a military clinic or hospital.

FastEagle

Fasteagle, I'm not sure that is accurate, I got mine from my regular civilian doctor before I started this post and I assure you that mine was totally covered. I contacted Tricare prior to getting the shot to insure that it would be covered. I was told as I stated in the original post, that the FDA approved the vaccine and as such Tricare covers it and listed it in their formulary, there was no mention that you had to go to a MTC or clinic for this. As I said, I got mine from my civilian doctor, and since I have Tricare Standard, I did have to pay the normal co-pay....don't know the exact amount but seems to me it was like $20 bucks or so..... You might want a 2nd opinion....John

Another note on the Shingles vaccine...My wife and I were advised to get the shot since we are both over 60. We went to Ireland Army Hospital at Ft Knox Ky ( our provider) and got not only the Shingles vaccine, but also the pnuemonia shot, which was also recommended. No side effects from either....A friend of mine had the Shingles and he was absolutely miserable...