Shingrix

Indicated For

shingles prevention

About This Medication

# GSK Vaccines Patient Assistance Program Patient Guide: How to Get Shingrix at Low or No Cost Shingrix (Zoster Vaccine Recombinant, Adjuvanted) is a two-dose vaccine that protects adults against shingles, a painful rash caused by reactivation of the chickenpox virus. The **GSK Vaccines Patient Assistance Program** provides this vaccine **at no cost** to eligible uninsured patients aged 18 and older living in the US or Puerto Rico[1][2]. ## About Shingrix Shingrix is recommended for adults **50 years and older**, and also for adults 19+ with weakened immune systems. It is over **90% effective** at preventing shingles and its complications, like postherpetic neuralgia (long-lasting nerve pain). Unlike the older Zostavax vaccine, Shingrix uses recombinant technology and an adjuvant to boost immune response, making it suitable even for those never vaccinated against chickenpox[3][4]. The vaccine is given as **two intramuscular injections** in the upper arm, **2-6 months apart**. Common side effects include pain, redness, or swelling at the injection site, muscle pain, fatigue, headache, shivering, fever, and upset stomach. These usually last 2-3 days and are signs your immune system is responding. Talk to your doctor if you have severe allergies to vaccine components or are pregnant[1][3]. Shingrix is **not a treatment** for active shingles—if you have shingles now, get treated first, then vaccinate later to prevent recurrence[3]. ## Who Qualifies for the Program? This program helps patients who **cannot afford** GSK vaccines due to lack of coverage. Key requirements[1][2]: - **Age**: 18 years or older - **Residency**: Live in the United States or Puerto Rico (not eligible if enrolled in or approved for Puerto Rico's Mi Salud plan) - **Insurance**: **No third-party coverage** for vaccines (fully uninsured for vaccines) - **Medicare patients not eligible**—Shingrix is $0 out-of-pocket for Medicare Part D at pharmacies due to the Inflation Reduction Act[4][7][8] **Household income** is considered, though exact Federal Poverty Level (FPL) thresholds are not publicly specified. Eligibility focuses on income **and** insurance status. Programs like this typically target those at or below **400-500% FPL**, but call (866) 728-4368 to confirm your situation[1][2]. ## Income Eligibility Breakdown Specific income limits are not detailed online, as eligibility combines income with no insurance. Here's a general guide based on similar programs (contact GSK for your exact household)[1][2]: | Household Size | Estimated Max Annual Income (300% FPL)* | Notes | |---------------|---------------------------------------|-------| | 1 person | ~$45,000 | Income proof required | | 2 people | ~$61,000 | Includes all household members | | 3 people | ~$77,000 | Puerto Rico residents: exclude Mi Salud | | 4 people | ~$93,000 | Subject to change | *Estimates for 2026 continental US FPL; actuals vary. Higher thresholds possible up to 500% FPL (~$75,000 single). Provide recent tax returns, pay stubs, etc.[1][5] ## Insurance Requirements You must be **uninsured for vaccines**—no private insurance, Medicaid, Medicare, VA, or other coverage paying for Shingrix. **Medicare Part D patients do not qualify** here, as it's free via Part D at pharmacies (95%+ of enrollees get it there). Doctor's offices often can't bill Part D, so confirm[4][7][8]. If you have Marketplace or employer insurance, check coverage first—most plans cover ACIP-recommended vaccines like Shingrix **with $0 cost-sharing** in-network[7]. This program is a **last resort** for truly uninsured[1]. ## Step-by-Step Application Process Applications require **prescriber involvement**—your doctor or clinic must enroll first[1][5]. 1. **Talk to your doctor**: Discuss Shingrix need. They register at **GSKPatientAssistanceProgramPortal.com**. 2. **Get forms**: Download English/Spanish applications, Vaccine Dose Authorization, Patient Health/Allergy form, Third-Party Authorization from gskpaf.org or call **(866) 728-4368** for mailed copies[1]. 3. **Gather documents**: - Completed, signed application - **Proof of income** (tax return, W-2, pay stubs, SSI/SSDI award letter) - **Proof of residency** (utility bill, lease) - **Prescriber enrollment** and signature - Patient health/allergy info[1][5] 4. **Submit**: Doctor faxes to **1-855-474-3063** or uses provider portal[1]. 5. **Wait for approval**: If approved, coverage for **up to 1 year** (both doses)[1]. **Multiple methods** available: portal, fax, phone request[1]. ## Timeline and Delivery Processing time not specified—typically **2-4 weeks** for similar programs, but call to check status. Once approved, vaccine is **shipped free to prescriber's office** (not your home). Schedule doses there: first dose, then 2-6 months later. **Reauthorization required** annually or per guidelines[1]. ## Alternatives if Denied or Ineligible - **Medicare/Medicaid**: $0 via Part D pharmacy; Medicaid often $0 in expanded states[4][7]. - **Private insurance**: Usually $0 in-network[7]. - **Vaccines for Adults Program**: Free federally funded doses at pharmacies/clinics for uninsured[7]. - **Other aid**: Simplefill (1-877-386-0206), NeedyMeds, state programs, or GSKForYou general PAP[3][6][9]. - **GoodRx/discounts**: For cash-pay, though less relevant for uninsured[6]. ## Important Disclaimer This guide is for informational purposes only and based on publicly available data as of 2026. **Program details, eligibility, and forms change**—always verify with GSK at (866) 728-4368 or gskpaf.org. This is **not health insurance** or medical advice. Consult your doctor for Shingrix suitability. GSKPatientAssistanceProgramPortal.com and gskforyou.com have full terms[1][2]. 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Program information last verified: March 30, 2026