Here's the short version. Medicare covers the adult vaccines your doctor is likely to recommend, and most cost you nothing. The flu and COVID-19 shots are covered by Part B, and you pay nothing if your provider accepts assignment. The shingles and RSV shots are covered by Part D drug coverage, and you pay nothing if you have Part D. In fact, Part D covers all adult vaccines recommended by the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) that Part B doesn't cover, with no copayment and no deductible. If you paid for a shingles shot years ago, the rules are different now. The rest of this page shows which part pays for each shot and what to bring.
Which part of Medicare pays for each vaccine
The one thing to remember: some shots run through Part B, and some run through your drug plan. Both kinds should cost you nothing when you follow the rules.
| Vaccine | Covered by | What you pay |
|---|---|---|
| Flu (seasonal) | Part B, usually once each flu season | $0 if your provider accepts assignment |
| COVID-19 | Part B | $0 if your provider accepts assignment |
| Pneumococcal (pneumonia) | Part B | $0 if your provider accepts assignment |
| Hepatitis B | Part B, if you're eligible | $0 if your provider accepts assignment |
| Shingles | Part D drug coverage | $0 if you have Part D |
| RSV | Part D drug coverage | $0 if you have Part D |
| Tdap (tetanus, diphtheria, whooping cough) | Part D drug coverage | $0 if you have Part D |
Part B vaccines: flu, COVID-19, pneumonia, hepatitis B
Part B treats these shots as preventive services. You pay nothing for most preventive services if you get them from a provider who accepts assignment. "Accepts assignment" means the provider agrees to take the Medicare-approved amount as full payment. Our costs guide explains it.
- Flu. Usually one vaccine each flu season. For the 2026–2027 season, people 65 and older can get a trivalent flu vaccine, which protects against three flu viruses. You can get it at many places, including your doctor's office and your local pharmacy.
- COVID-19. Part B covers the updated 2025–2026 formula Moderna, Pfizer-BioNTech, or Novavax vaccine for anyone who has Medicare. Bring your red, white, and blue Medicare card so the provider or pharmacy can bill Medicare.
- Pneumococcal. Covered by Part B. Talk with your doctor about which pneumococcal vaccines are right for you.
- Hepatitis B. Covered if you never completed the vaccine series, don't know your vaccination history, or have a condition that puts you at medium or high risk, such as diabetes, kidney failure, or living with someone who has hepatitis B.
See our Part B guide for the full list of preventive services Medicare covers.
Part D vaccines: shingles, RSV, Tdap, and more
These shots are covered through Medicare drug coverage, not Part B. Part D covers all adult vaccines that ACIP recommends and that Part B doesn't cover, including the vaccines for shingles, RSV, whooping cough, and measles. Your Part D plan won't charge you a copayment or apply a deductible for vaccines ACIP recommends.
- Shingles. You pay nothing for the shingles vaccine if you have Part D. The vaccine protects against the virus that causes a painful rash and sometimes long-term pain.
- RSV. You pay nothing if you have Part D. Adults 75 and older, and adults 50 to 74 with certain conditions, are at high risk of serious problems from RSV. Talk to your doctor about whether you're at increased risk. You can get RSV vaccines at many places, including your doctor's office and your local pharmacy.
- Tdap. The booster for tetanus, diphtheria, and whooping cough. You pay nothing if you have Part D.
You get Part D either through a separate drug plan or through a Medicare Advantage plan that includes drug coverage. Medicare Advantage plans with drug coverage also cover drug benefits like the RSV vaccine. Our Part D guide explains how drug plans work.
If you don't have Part D
Part B does not cover the shingles, RSV, or Tdap shots. Part D covers the ACIP-recommended adult vaccines that aren't covered under Part B. So without Medicare drug coverage, these shots are on you. Joining a drug plan is one reason people who take few medicines still sign up. Keep in mind that if you go 63 days or more without creditable drug coverage after you're first eligible, you may pay a late enrollment penalty. See Enrollment & Deadlines.
Medicare Advantage plans
If you have a Medicare Advantage plan, your plan must cover all medically necessary services that Original Medicare covers, and most plans include Part D. Call your plan or check its Evidence of Coverage to confirm where to get each shot and how the plan bills it.
Tips to avoid a surprise bill
- Bring your cards. Your Medicare card for Part B shots, and your drug plan card for Part D shots. Medicare tells you to bring your Medicare card for the COVID-19 vaccine so the provider or pharmacy can bill Medicare.
- Ask first. Ask your doctor or pharmacy how much a shot will cost. What you owe can depend on other insurance you have, whether the provider accepts assignment, and the type of facility.
- Check the bill. If you were charged for a covered vaccine, ask the provider to correct it. If that fails, you can appeal. See Your Rights and Appeals.
Common questions
Does Medicare cover the shingles vaccine?
Yes. Medicare drug coverage (Part D) covers the shingles vaccine, and you pay nothing if you have Part D. Your plan won't charge a copayment or apply a deductible.
Is the RSV shot free with Medicare?
Yes, if you have Part D. Part D covers the RSV vaccine at no cost to you, and Medicare Advantage plans with drug coverage cover it too. Adults 75 and older, and adults 50 to 74 with certain conditions, are at high risk from RSV, so ask your doctor whether it's right for you.
Can I get my shots at the pharmacy?
Often, yes. Medicare says you can get flu and RSV vaccines at many places, including your doctor's office and your local pharmacy. Call ahead and bring your Medicare card and your drug plan card.
Why did I pay for the shingles shot years ago?
The current rule is that your Part D plan won't charge a copayment or a deductible for any adult vaccine ACIP recommends. If you're due for a shingles shot now, the price at the pharmacy counter should be $0 with Part D.
Related pages
- Medicare Part D: Prescription Drug Coverage — how drug plans work and the late enrollment penalty.
- Medicare Part B: Medical Insurance — preventive services and what "assignment" means.
- Medicare Annual Wellness Visit vs. Annual Physical — the visit where your doctor reviews which shots you're due for.
- Coverage Basics — the parts of Medicare in one place.
Official sources: Medicare.gov: Shingles vaccines, Medicare.gov: RSV shot, Medicare.gov: Flu vaccines, Medicare.gov: COVID-19 vaccine, Medicare.gov: Pneumococcal vaccines, Medicare.gov: Hepatitis B vaccines, and Medicare.gov: Tdap vaccines.