Medicare divides vaccine coverage between Part B medical coverage and Part D prescription drug coverage.

Vaccines Covered by Part B

Part B covers:

  • Seasonal flu vaccines
  • COVID-19 vaccines
  • Pneumococcal vaccines
  • Hepatitis B vaccines for eligible people, including those who have not completed the series or do not know their vaccination history
  • Certain vaccines needed because of an injury or direct exposure to disease

You generally pay nothing for Part B preventive vaccines when the provider accepts Medicare’s approved amount as full payment, called accepting assignment.

See Medicare’s hepatitis B eligibility rules to check whether you qualify.

Vaccines Covered by Part D

Part D generally covers adult vaccines recommended by the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) that Part B does not cover, including:

  • Shingles
  • Respiratory syncytial virus, or RSV
  • Tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis
  • Other recommended adult immunizations

You pay no deductible, copayment, or coinsurance for covered adult vaccines recommended by ACIP. Use a pharmacy or provider that can bill your Part D plan correctly.

Before Getting a Vaccine

Ask:

  • Which part of Medicare covers it?
  • Is the pharmacy or provider in-network?
  • Can it bill the plan directly?
  • Is the vaccine medically appropriate for you?

Medicare's drug coverage explanation describes how Parts B and D divide vaccine coverage.

A preventive shingles shot is generally billed to Part D; a tetanus shot needed because of an injury may be billed to Part B, with different costs for you. Bring your Medicare and drug-plan cards and ask which benefit the office or pharmacy will bill.

Medicare policy sources last checked: October 8, 2026.