Which vaccines does Medicare cover?

Part B covers preventive vaccines at no cost. A few include:

• Flu (influenza) vaccine : Covered once per flu season.
• COVID-19 vaccine: Covers the full COVID-19 vaccination series and any recommended boosters.
• Pneumococcal (pneumonia) vaccine: Covered as needed to protect against bacteria that causes pneumonia and other serious infections.
• Hepatitis B vaccine: Covered for people at medium or high risk of hepatitis B infection.

Part B also covers medically necessary vaccines you may need. For example, if you step on a rusty nail, Part B will cover a tetanus shot. If you're bitten by an animal, it’ll cover any required rabies shots. 

Part D covers most vaccines recommended by ACIP and not covered by Part B. Common vaccines include:

• Shingles vaccine : A two-dose vaccine covered for adults 50 and older (including Shingrix).
• RSV vaccine : A single dose of RSV vaccine covered for adults at risk of serious RSV infection and hospitalization.
• Tdap vaccine: Covered as often as medically necessary.
• Other ACIP-recommended vaccines: This includes vaccines for measles, whooping cough and other preventable illnesses not covered under Part B.

Which vaccines are not covered by Medicare?

Medicare doesn’t cover every vaccine in every situation. Here are some that may not be covered:

• Vaccines not recommended for adults by ACIP
• Vaccines not approved by the FDA
• Vaccines not billed correctly under Part B or Part D
• Vaccines from a provider or pharmacy that doesn’t accept Medicare or your plan
• Certain travel vaccines, depending on your plan and the reason for travel

What do I pay for vaccines with Medicare?

What you pay depends on which part of Medicare covers the vaccine. Many Part B vaccines are available at $0. The standard Part B deductible ($283 in 2026) and coinsurance don’t apply to flu vaccines.

Since 2023, all ACIP-recommended vaccines covered by Part D are available at $0. No copay. No deductible.

Where can I get Medicare-covered vaccines?

You may be able to get Medicare-covered vaccines from several places, such as:

• Doctor’s offices
• Pharmacies
• Clinics or community health centers
• Hospitals or urgent care centers
  

Learn more about Medicare

For more information on the costs, coverage and types of Medicare plans, check out our library of Medicare articles . To see Medicare plans in your area with their premiums, copays and participating doctors and pharmacies, visit our Humana Medicare plans page .