Does Medicare Cover Vaccines?

Written by:

Sabrinah Cave

4 min read

Key Takeaways

Medicare Part B covers essential vaccines like flu, pneumonia, hepatitis B (for at-risk individuals), and COVID-19 at no cost when given by Medicare-approved providers.
Medicare Part D and Medicare Advantage plans with Part D cover all ACIP-recommended vaccines, including RSV, shingles, Tdap, MMR (ages 65-68), hepatitis A, meningococcal, Hib, and Mpox.
ACIP-recommended vaccines covered by Medicare are not subject to deductibles, copays, or coinsurance, but premiums and other healthcare costs still apply.
Medicare generally does not cover travel-related vaccines like yellow fever or typhoid, though some Medicare Advantage plans may offer additional benefits.

Yes, Medicare covers many vaccines, but the type of coverage depends on the vaccine and your specific Medicare plan. Original Medicare (Parts A and B) covers a limited selection of vaccines, while Medicare Part D and Medicare Advantage plans with Part D (including Special Needs Plans) cover most routine immunizations. Learn which vaccines Medicare covers and how beneficiaries can ensure they’re protected.

Why Vaccines Matter for Seniors

The immune system weakens with age, making seniors more vulnerable to infections like influenza, pneumonia, and shingles. For example, seniors 65 years and older accounted for 70-85% of flu-related deaths in recent flu seasons. Vaccination can prevent thousands of hospitalizations and deaths each year among Medicare-age adults.

Vaccines are crucial in preventing diseases, reducing the risk of illness, and helping older adults maintain better health. By understanding what vaccines are covered, beneficiaries can avoid preventable illnesses while minimizing out-of-pocket costs.

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What Vaccines Does Medicare Cover?

Medicare Part B (medical insurance) covers some vaccines you receive in an outpatient setting, like at a doctor’s office. Medicare Part A (hospital insurance) may only cover these vaccines during an inpatient hospital or skilled nursing facility stay.

Original Medicare covers the following vaccines, though some have criteria you must meet for coverage:

Flu vaccine: The flu vaccine is covered annually under Part B, which pays for one flu shot per flu season.
Trivalent vaccine: Medicare covers a Trivalent flu shot for seniors 65 and older. This vaccine works against three different variations of flu in the 2024-2025 flu season.
Pneumococcal vaccine: This vaccine protects against pneumonia and related infections. Medicare Part B covers the pneumococcal vaccine, though your doctor may recommend more doses than Medicare covers.
Hepatitis B vaccine: The Hepatitis B vaccine is covered under Part B for beneficiaries at medium or high risk, such as those with diabetes or chronic kidney disease.
COVID-19 vaccines: Part B covers FDA-approved COVID-19 vaccines and boosters with no cost to beneficiaries.

These vaccines are 100% covered if administered by a provider who accepts Medicare assignment.

How Medicare Advantage Covers Vaccines

Medicare Advantage plans are an alternative to Original Medicare offered by private insurance companies. These plans often include additional benefits beyond Original Medicare’s coverage. Some Medicare Advantage plans bundle Part D prescription drug coverage. These types of Medicare Advantage plans cover the same vaccines as standalone Part D plans.

Coverage varies by plan and region, so it’s essential to review plan details and speak with a provider or insurance agent to ensure your needs are met.

Vaccines Covered by Medicare Part D

Medicare Part D covers prescription drugs, including vaccines not covered by Part B. Beneficiaries can get Part D coverage through standalone prescription drug plans offered by private insurance companies or a Medicare Advantage plan bundling Part D benefits.

All Part D and Medicare Advantage plans that include Part D benefits must cover every vaccine recommended by the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP). As of 2025, this includes coverage for the following vaccines (excluding those already covered by Medicare Part B):

RSV
Tdap/Td
MMR for those between 65 and 68 years old
Shingles
Hepatitis A
Meningococcal
Hib
Mpox

However, some Part D benefits may include coverage for more vaccines than those listed above, such as travel-related vaccinations.

How Much Vaccines Cost With Medicare

The cost of vaccines depends on your coverage. If your Medicare plan covers the vaccine you need, then it would be provided at no cost. Other costs associated with maintaining Medicare coverage include:

Premium: This is the amount you pay each month for coverage. Most people get Part A coverage at no cost, and most pay $185 for Part B in 2025. Medicare Part D and Medicare Advantage plans charge a separate premium.
Deductible: This is the amount you pay before your Medicare plan begins cost sharing. However, covered vaccines are not subject to deductibles, meaning you do not have to meet your Part B or Part D deductible for vaccine coverage.
Copay and coinsurance: The copay is a flat fee you pay per service, such as every time you see your doctor. The coinsurance is the percentage you and your Medicare plan pay for care. Typically, covered ACIP-recommended vaccines are not subject to copays or coinsurance but other vaccines may be.
Out-of-pocket maximum: Only Part D and Medicare Advantage plans feature out-of-pocket maximums. This is the cap on how much you spend on covered benefits each year before your plan pays 100% of all remaining costs.

Without insurance, vaccines can be expensive. For example, the shingles vaccine costs about $200 per dose, with two doses required, and the Pneumococcal vaccine costs $117-$288 per dose, depending on the number of strains it protects against.

How Are Vaccines Covered by Medicare for International Travel?

Traveling abroad can expose you to diseases not commonly found in the United States. To protect yourself and others, plan for necessary vaccinations and medicines. Before traveling, ensure you are current with vaccines like MMR (measles, mumps, rubella) and Tdap (tetanus, diphtheria, pertussis). Visit the CDC’s destination pages to identify vaccines or medicines specific to your travel destination.

Medicare does not typically cover vaccines needed for international travel, such as yellow fever or typhoid vaccines, but Medicare Advantage plans might offer additional benefits beyond Original Medicare’s coverage. Check your plan details to see if there are travel vaccine benefits. If not, you may need to pay out of pocket or look into travel insurance.

Putting It All Together

Medicare vaccine coverage ensures beneficiaries have access to essential immunizations like flu shots and pneumonia vaccines. Understanding the differences between Original Medicare, Part D, and Medicare Advantage plan benefits allows you to maximize your coverage and minimize costs. Work with a licensed insurance agent to learn more about your options for vaccine coverage.