Medicare Part B and Medicare Part D provide coverage for eight essential vaccines without cost-sharing as well as others deemed medically necessary (like the tetanus shot) that prevent injury or disease.
Medicareis federal health insurance for people ages 65 and over and some under 65 who have certain disabilities or conditions.
Covered Vaccines
Medicare Part B helps cover medically necessaryoutpatientservices. This includes certain preventive services, such as the cost and administration of the followingvaccines:
With the passage of the Inflation Reduction Act in 2022, there is no longer cost-sharing for ACIP-recommended vaccines as long as you remainin your plan’s network.
1Flu VaccineTerry Vine/Getty ImagesInfluenza(flu) is a viral infection that affects tens of millions of people across the planet every year. As influenza mutates rapidly, the most common strains change each flu season, and a new vaccine is required every year.The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that there were nearly 6,000 flu-related deaths in the United States during the 2022-2023 flu season.ACIP recommends that anyone 6 months of age and older get vaccinated against influenza every year. This is especially true for older adults, people who areimmunocompromised, or those withasthma,diabetes, orheart disease.Three flu vaccines are recommended specifically for adults 65 and over:Fluzone High-DoseFlublokFluadThese flu vaccines are delivered in one shot.
1
Flu VaccineTerry Vine/Getty ImagesInfluenza(flu) is a viral infection that affects tens of millions of people across the planet every year. As influenza mutates rapidly, the most common strains change each flu season, and a new vaccine is required every year.The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that there were nearly 6,000 flu-related deaths in the United States during the 2022-2023 flu season.ACIP recommends that anyone 6 months of age and older get vaccinated against influenza every year. This is especially true for older adults, people who areimmunocompromised, or those withasthma,diabetes, orheart disease.Three flu vaccines are recommended specifically for adults 65 and over:Fluzone High-DoseFlublokFluadThese flu vaccines are delivered in one shot.
Flu Vaccine
Terry Vine/Getty Images
Influenza(flu) is a viral infection that affects tens of millions of people across the planet every year. As influenza mutates rapidly, the most common strains change each flu season, and a new vaccine is required every year.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that there were nearly 6,000 flu-related deaths in the United States during the 2022-2023 flu season.
ACIP recommends that anyone 6 months of age and older get vaccinated against influenza every year. This is especially true for older adults, people who areimmunocompromised, or those withasthma,diabetes, orheart disease.
Three flu vaccines are recommended specifically for adults 65 and over:
These flu vaccines are delivered in one shot.
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COVID-19 Vaccines
Morsa Images / Getty Images.
Three COVID-19 vaccines are currently available in the United States:
Updated versions of these vaccines are routinely produced in line with the emergence of newer COVID-19 variants.
Everyone 6 months and older should get the updated COVID-19 vaccine when released. This includes people who have received a COVID-19 vaccine before and people who have had COVID-19.
COVID-19 vaccination only requires one shot.
3
Pneumococcal Vaccines
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Thepneumococcal vaccineprotects against potentially deadly bacteria calledStreptococcus pneumoniawhich is one of the most common causes of pneumonia deaths.
There are four types of pneumonia vaccines available in the United States:
The CDC recommends one dose of PCV15, PCV20, or PCV21 for people 50 and older who have never received a pneumococcal conjugate vaccine or whose previous vaccination history is unknown.
If PCV15 is used, PPSV23 should be administered one year later.
Keep in mind that Medicare only pays for one dose of each vaccine. Any additional pneumonia shots, even at the recommendation of your healthcare provider, may come at an additional cost.
An additional dose may be recommended if you have an underlying lung condition, such asCOPD, that puts you at higher risk for pneumonia.
4
Hepatitis B Vaccine
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There are sevenhepatitis B vaccinesavailable in the United States:
ACIP recommends hepatitis B vaccination for everyone up to age 59. They also recommend vaccination for adults 60 and over who have risk factors for hepatitis B (such as living with someone with hepatitis B or working in a hospital) and even allow for vaccination of adults 60 and over with no risk factors.
5RSV VaccineManjurul / Getty Images.Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV)causes respiratory illnesses in millions of people every year, both young and old.According to the CDC, the virus accounts for as many as 80,000 hospitalizations and 300 deaths in children 5 years and under each year. People 65 and older have even higher rates of hospitalization (up to 160,000 per year) and death (up to 10,000 per year).There are three RSV vaccines approved for use in the United States:AbrysvoArexvymRESVIAACIP recommends RSV vaccination for everyone over 75 and those between 60 and 74 who have risk factors for severe illness (such as chronic heart or lung disease orcompromised immune system).The RSV vaccine is given in one shot.The FDA has approved three RSV vaccines for preventing LRTD: Arexvy for those aged 50 and older, and Abrysvo and mResvia for those aged 60 and older. Abrysvo is also approved for individuals aged 18 to 59 at increased risk. Arexvy and Abrysvo may increase the risk of developingGuillain-Barré Syndrome (GBS)after the vaccine has been administered.
5
RSV VaccineManjurul / Getty Images.Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV)causes respiratory illnesses in millions of people every year, both young and old.According to the CDC, the virus accounts for as many as 80,000 hospitalizations and 300 deaths in children 5 years and under each year. People 65 and older have even higher rates of hospitalization (up to 160,000 per year) and death (up to 10,000 per year).There are three RSV vaccines approved for use in the United States:AbrysvoArexvymRESVIAACIP recommends RSV vaccination for everyone over 75 and those between 60 and 74 who have risk factors for severe illness (such as chronic heart or lung disease orcompromised immune system).The RSV vaccine is given in one shot.The FDA has approved three RSV vaccines for preventing LRTD: Arexvy for those aged 50 and older, and Abrysvo and mResvia for those aged 60 and older. Abrysvo is also approved for individuals aged 18 to 59 at increased risk. Arexvy and Abrysvo may increase the risk of developingGuillain-Barré Syndrome (GBS)after the vaccine has been administered.
RSV Vaccine
Manjurul / Getty Images.
Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV)causes respiratory illnesses in millions of people every year, both young and old.
According to the CDC, the virus accounts for as many as 80,000 hospitalizations and 300 deaths in children 5 years and under each year. People 65 and older have even higher rates of hospitalization (up to 160,000 per year) and death (up to 10,000 per year).
There are three RSV vaccines approved for use in the United States:
ACIP recommends RSV vaccination for everyone over 75 and those between 60 and 74 who have risk factors for severe illness (such as chronic heart or lung disease orcompromised immune system).
The RSV vaccine is given in one shot.
The FDA has approved three RSV vaccines for preventing LRTD: Arexvy for those aged 50 and older, and Abrysvo and mResvia for those aged 60 and older. Abrysvo is also approved for individuals aged 18 to 59 at increased risk. Arexvy and Abrysvo may increase the risk of developingGuillain-Barré Syndrome (GBS)after the vaccine has been administered.
6Shingles VaccineTerry Vine / Blended Images / Getty ImagesShingles(herpes zoster) is the reactivation of thechickenpoxvirus (varicella-zoster virus), causing an outbreak of painful, blistering sores in one of every three people who get chickenpox.Shingles typically affects people over 50. People over 60 are more likely to experience severe complications likepostherpetic neuralgia(a chronic pain syndrome) or vision loss if theoptic nerveis damaged.The risk of reactivation increases with increasing age; around 50% of people who live until 85 years will develop shingles.There is oneshingle vaccinecalled Shingrix approved in the United States. ACIP recommends vaccination for everyone 50 and older as well as people 19 years and over who are immunocompromised.Shingrix is delivered in two doses two to six months apart.Vaccines Healthcare Provider Discussion GuideGet our printable guide for your next healthcare appointment to help you ask the right questions.Download PDFEmail AddressSign UpThank you, {{form.email}}, for signing up.There was an error. Please try again.
6
Shingles VaccineTerry Vine / Blended Images / Getty ImagesShingles(herpes zoster) is the reactivation of thechickenpoxvirus (varicella-zoster virus), causing an outbreak of painful, blistering sores in one of every three people who get chickenpox.Shingles typically affects people over 50. People over 60 are more likely to experience severe complications likepostherpetic neuralgia(a chronic pain syndrome) or vision loss if theoptic nerveis damaged.The risk of reactivation increases with increasing age; around 50% of people who live until 85 years will develop shingles.There is oneshingle vaccinecalled Shingrix approved in the United States. ACIP recommends vaccination for everyone 50 and older as well as people 19 years and over who are immunocompromised.Shingrix is delivered in two doses two to six months apart.Vaccines Healthcare Provider Discussion GuideGet our printable guide for your next healthcare appointment to help you ask the right questions.Download PDFEmail AddressSign UpThank you, {{form.email}}, for signing up.There was an error. Please try again.
Shingles Vaccine
Terry Vine / Blended Images / Getty Images
Shingles(herpes zoster) is the reactivation of thechickenpoxvirus (varicella-zoster virus), causing an outbreak of painful, blistering sores in one of every three people who get chickenpox.
Shingles typically affects people over 50. People over 60 are more likely to experience severe complications likepostherpetic neuralgia(a chronic pain syndrome) or vision loss if theoptic nerveis damaged.
The risk of reactivation increases with increasing age; around 50% of people who live until 85 years will develop shingles.
There is oneshingle vaccinecalled Shingrix approved in the United States. ACIP recommends vaccination for everyone 50 and older as well as people 19 years and over who are immunocompromised.
Shingrix is delivered in two doses two to six months apart.
Vaccines Healthcare Provider Discussion GuideGet our printable guide for your next healthcare appointment to help you ask the right questions.Download PDFEmail AddressSign UpThank you, {{form.email}}, for signing up.There was an error. Please try again.
Get our printable guide for your next healthcare appointment to help you ask the right questions.
Download PDF
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7
Tetanus, Tdap, and Td Vaccines
Medicare may cover tetanus vaccination after an injury.PM Images / DigitalVision / Getty Images
Tetanus vaccinationis started during childhood (typically as part of theDTaPorTdapvaccination series), while adults are encouraged to getbooster shotsevery 10 years of their lives.
There are four vaccines available for tetanus, including one for tetanus only (tetanus toxoid, or TT), one for tetanus anddiphtheria(Td), and two for tetanus, diphtheria, andpertussis(Tdap):
One shot is needed as a booster. People who have not been vaccinated or do not know their vaccination status will be given a three-shot series (given at 0 month, 1 month, and 6-12 months).
Summary
Others may be given without cost-sharing if they are “reasonable and necessary” to avoid injury or diseases like rabies or malaria.
21 SourcesVerywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services.Medicare Part D vaccines.Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP): general committee-related information.Congress.gov.H.R.5376 – 117th Congress (2021-2022): Inflation Reduction Act of 2022.National Center for Health Statistics.Influenza.Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Influenza ACIP vaccine recommendations.Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services.Flu shot.Ahmad FB, Cisewski JA, Anderson RN.Mortality in the United States — provisional data, 2023.MMWR Morb Mortal Wkly Rep.2024;73:677–681. doi:10.15585/mmwr.mm7331a1Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Staying up to date with COVID-19 vaccines.Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Vaccines for adults ages 60 and over.National Center for Health Statistics.Pneumonia.Center for Disease Control and Prevention.Pneumococcal vaccine recommendations.Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.2023 viral hepatitis national progress report.Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Hepatitis B vaccine administration.Medicare.gov.Hepatitis B shots.Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Respiratory syncytial infection (RSV): for healthcare professionals.Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.RSV surveillance and research.Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Healthcare providers: RSV vaccination for adults 60 years of age and over.Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Shingles burden and trends.Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Administering Shingrix.Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.About tetanus.Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Types of tetanus vaccines.
21 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services.Medicare Part D vaccines.Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP): general committee-related information.Congress.gov.H.R.5376 – 117th Congress (2021-2022): Inflation Reduction Act of 2022.National Center for Health Statistics.Influenza.Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Influenza ACIP vaccine recommendations.Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services.Flu shot.Ahmad FB, Cisewski JA, Anderson RN.Mortality in the United States — provisional data, 2023.MMWR Morb Mortal Wkly Rep.2024;73:677–681. doi:10.15585/mmwr.mm7331a1Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Staying up to date with COVID-19 vaccines.Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Vaccines for adults ages 60 and over.National Center for Health Statistics.Pneumonia.Center for Disease Control and Prevention.Pneumococcal vaccine recommendations.Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.2023 viral hepatitis national progress report.Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Hepatitis B vaccine administration.Medicare.gov.Hepatitis B shots.Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Respiratory syncytial infection (RSV): for healthcare professionals.Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.RSV surveillance and research.Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Healthcare providers: RSV vaccination for adults 60 years of age and over.Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Shingles burden and trends.Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Administering Shingrix.Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.About tetanus.Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Types of tetanus vaccines.
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services.Medicare Part D vaccines.Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP): general committee-related information.Congress.gov.H.R.5376 – 117th Congress (2021-2022): Inflation Reduction Act of 2022.National Center for Health Statistics.Influenza.Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Influenza ACIP vaccine recommendations.Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services.Flu shot.Ahmad FB, Cisewski JA, Anderson RN.Mortality in the United States — provisional data, 2023.MMWR Morb Mortal Wkly Rep.2024;73:677–681. doi:10.15585/mmwr.mm7331a1Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Staying up to date with COVID-19 vaccines.Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Vaccines for adults ages 60 and over.National Center for Health Statistics.Pneumonia.Center for Disease Control and Prevention.Pneumococcal vaccine recommendations.Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.2023 viral hepatitis national progress report.Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Hepatitis B vaccine administration.Medicare.gov.Hepatitis B shots.Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Respiratory syncytial infection (RSV): for healthcare professionals.Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.RSV surveillance and research.Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Healthcare providers: RSV vaccination for adults 60 years of age and over.Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Shingles burden and trends.Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Administering Shingrix.Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.About tetanus.Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Types of tetanus vaccines.
Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services.Medicare Part D vaccines.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP): general committee-related information.
Congress.gov.H.R.5376 – 117th Congress (2021-2022): Inflation Reduction Act of 2022.
National Center for Health Statistics.Influenza.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Influenza ACIP vaccine recommendations.
Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services.Flu shot.
Ahmad FB, Cisewski JA, Anderson RN.Mortality in the United States — provisional data, 2023.MMWR Morb Mortal Wkly Rep.2024;73:677–681. doi:10.15585/mmwr.mm7331a1
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Staying up to date with COVID-19 vaccines.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Vaccines for adults ages 60 and over.
National Center for Health Statistics.Pneumonia.
Center for Disease Control and Prevention.Pneumococcal vaccine recommendations.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.2023 viral hepatitis national progress report.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Hepatitis B vaccine administration.
Medicare.gov.Hepatitis B shots.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Respiratory syncytial infection (RSV): for healthcare professionals.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.RSV surveillance and research.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Healthcare providers: RSV vaccination for adults 60 years of age and over.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Shingles burden and trends.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Administering Shingrix.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.About tetanus.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Types of tetanus vaccines.
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