Medicare vaccine guide
Medicare Vaccine Coverage: Part B vs. Part D
Flu, COVID-19, pneumococcal and certain hepatitis B vaccinations use Part B. Shingles, RSV, Tdap and many other recommended adult vaccines generally use Part D.
Coverage chart
Which Medicare part generally covers the vaccine?
| Vaccine | Usual Medicare benefit | Important note |
|---|---|---|
| Flu | Part B | Covered seasonal vaccination; provider must accept assignment for no cost under Original Medicare. |
| COVID-19 | Part B | Coverage follows current Medicare and public-health recommendations. |
| Pneumococcal | Part B | Covered when Medicare timing and vaccine-sequence requirements are met. |
| Hepatitis B | Part B in covered risk groups | Eligibility depends on risk and current Medicare rules. |
| Shingles | Part D | ACIP-recommended adult vaccine; Part D covers it without out-of-pocket cost. |
| RSV | Part D | Coverage follows the applicable adult recommendation. |
| Tdap | Part D | Part D handles preventive tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis vaccination; Part B can cover tetanus treatment after an injury. |
Where you receive it
A pharmacy must be able to bill the correct benefit
A vaccine can be covered but still be difficult to process if the pharmacy or clinician cannot bill the responsible Medicare benefit. Before an appointment, give the provider both your Medicare and drug-plan information and ask which benefit will be billed.
Do not pay cash without asking how reimbursement works. Part D out-of-network and paper-claim rules can be restrictive. Use a network pharmacy or authorized provider whenever possible.
Part D protection
Recommended adult vaccines have no Part D cost sharing
Part D plans must cover adult vaccines recommended by the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices without deductible, copayment or coinsurance. The vaccine still must meet the recommendation and be processed under the plan’s coverage procedures.
Plan formularies and pharmacy systems can display vaccine products differently. Ask the pharmacy to check the exact product and administration claim.
Hepatitis B
Risk level changes which benefit applies
Part B covers hepatitis B vaccination for people at medium or high risk and certain other eligible beneficiaries. When Part B criteria are not met, Part D may cover the vaccine under its adult preventive-vaccine benefit. The clinician or pharmacy should determine the correct coverage path from the medical information.
Planning
Keep an accurate immunization record
- Ask the clinician which vaccine and dose are recommended.
- Confirm Part B or Part D before the appointment.
- Use a provider or pharmacy that can submit the claim.
- Keep the product name, administration date and receipt.
- Share the updated record with your primary-care clinician.
Frequently asked questions
Medicare Vaccine Coverage Questions
Does Part B cover the shingles vaccine?
No. Shingles vaccination is generally covered by Part D.
Does Part D charge a deductible for shingles or RSV vaccination?
No out-of-pocket cost applies to ACIP-recommended adult vaccines when Part D coverage requirements are met.
Why did the pharmacy ask for both cards?
It may need to identify whether Part B or Part D is responsible and submit the claim through the correct system.
Does Part B cover a tetanus shot?
Part B can cover a tetanus shot when it is medically necessary treatment for an injury. Preventive Tdap or Td vaccination is generally covered by Part D.
Primary references
Official Sources
- Medicare.gov: How Part D vaccine coverage works
- Medicare.gov: Shingles vaccines
- Medicare.gov: RSV shots
- Medicare.gov: Flu vaccines
Reviewed against official sources on August 22, 2026. Medicare and state program rules can change; verify current requirements before acting.
Independent Medicare guidance
Make the Next Decision With the Actual Details in Front of You
Benjamin Thompson can help compare the Medicare insurance options represented by Thompson Medicare Brokerage using your doctors, prescriptions, coverage priorities and budget.
Thompson Medicare Brokerage is not connected with or endorsed by the U.S. government or the federal Medicare program. This page provides general educational information. Coverage, costs, eligibility, networks, formularies and enrollment rights depend on individual facts, location, plan and coverage year. Thompson Medicare Brokerage does not offer every plan available in every area; Medicare.gov, 1-800-MEDICARE and SHIP can provide information about all available options.