How do you qualify for a free shingles vaccine?

As of 2016, free shingles vaccines are available through the Merck Vaccine Patient Assistance Program, according to Merck Helps. In addition, most Medicare Part D plans and some private insurance companies cover the shingles vaccine, states Zostavax. Individuals considering the shingles vaccine should check with their insurance companies to determine if any co-pays or deductibles apply.

To be eligible for the free shingles vaccine through the Merck Vaccine Patient Assistance Program, applicants must be U.S. residents, be 50 years of age or older, have no health insurance and meet income requirements, according to Merck Helps. Residents of Alaska and Hawaii are eligible, but they must contact Merck for income requirements. Individuals who live in the United States, but are not U.S. citizens, and those who live in U.S. territories are also eligible for the program.

To apply for a free vaccine, fill out and sign an application form. The doctor prescribing the vaccine must fax the completed form to Merck from her office, explains Merck Helps. If Merck receives the form on Monday through Friday between 8 a.m. and 8 p.m. Eastern Standard Time, a representative processes the form within 10 minutes. Merck then contacts the physician's office by phone to confirm or deny eligibility.