Medicare covers most vaccines you need as an older adult, with no copay
Medicare Part B covers the flu shot, pneumococcal vaccines, shingles vaccine, COVID-19 vaccine, RSV vaccine, and tetanus boosters at no cost to you. You do not pay a copay, coinsurance, or deductible for any of these. The coverage applies whether you get the shot at your doctor's office, a pharmacy, or a health clinic — as long as the provider is in the Medicare network.
The exact vaccines covered and the schedule for getting them depend on your age and health history. Medicare updates its vaccine coverage each year, and some vaccines have been added recently. This guide explains what is covered, where to get each one, and what you need to bring.
Key Takeaways
- Flu, pneumococcal, shingles, COVID-19, RSV, and tetanus vaccines are covered by Medicare Part B with zero out-of-pocket cost.
- You can get most vaccines at your doctor's office, a pharmacy chain like CVS or Walgreens, or a local health department clinic.
- Some vaccines require a doctor's order first; others you can walk in and receive the same day at a pharmacy.
- If you have Part D prescription drug coverage, it does not affect vaccine coverage — Part B pays for all covered vaccines.
- Medicare coverage does not depend on whether you have a supplemental insurance plan, though some plans may offer additional vaccines.
Flu vaccine: covered every year, one dose per season
Medicare covers one flu shot per flu season at no cost. The flu season runs from October through March, though you can get the shot as early as September. You do not need a doctor's order — you can walk into any pharmacy or clinic and receive it the same day.
The flu vaccine is available at nearly every pharmacy chain (CVS, Walgreens, Rite Aid), most doctor's offices, and local health departments. Some providers offer a high-dose flu vaccine for people 65 and older, which Medicare also covers. If you have a preference for the standard or high-dose version, ask your pharmacist or doctor which one they stock.
Pneumococcal vaccines: the schedule depends on your age and vaccination history
Medicare covers two pneumococcal vaccines: pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV20 or PCV15) and pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine (PPSV23). The vaccines protect against different strains of pneumococcal bacteria, and most people need both. The order and timing depend on whether you have already had pneumococcal shots and your age.
If you are 65 or older and have never had a pneumococcal vaccine, you typically receive PCV20 first, then PPSV23 one year later. If you received PPSV23 before turning 65, you will need PCV20 at 65 or older, followed by another PPSV23 dose. Your doctor can review your vaccination record and tell you which shot you need next. You will need a doctor's order for pneumococcal vaccines — you cannot walk into a pharmacy and receive one without one.
Shingles vaccine (Shingrix): two doses, two to six months apart
Medicare covers the shingles vaccine (Shingrix) for all people 50 and older. The vaccine requires two doses given two to six months apart. You do not need a doctor's order — you can call a pharmacy or your doctor's office and schedule both doses at once.
Shingrix is available at most pharmacies and doctor's offices. After your first dose, the pharmacy or office will schedule your second dose automatically, or you can call to book it yourself. If you had the older shingles vaccine (Zostavax) in the past, Medicare still covers Shingrix — the two vaccines are different, and Shingrix is more effective.
COVID-19 vaccine: updated doses available each year
Medicare covers COVID-19 vaccines at no cost. The coverage includes the initial series and updated doses recommended each year, usually starting in the fall. The exact number of doses you need depends on your age, health history, and whether you have had COVID-19 before.
You can receive a COVID-19 vaccine at your doctor's office, a pharmacy, or a health clinic. No doctor's order is required — you can walk in and receive the vaccine the same day. If you are unsure whether you need an updated dose, ask your doctor or the pharmacist at your local pharmacy.
RSV vaccine: one dose for people 60 and older
Medicare began covering the RSV vaccine (respiratory syncytial virus) in 2023 for people 60 and older. The vaccine is a single dose. You do not need a doctor's order, though some pharmacies may ask you to confirm your age and health history before administering it.
RSV vaccine is available at many pharmacies and doctor's offices, though availability varies by location. Call ahead to confirm your pharmacy has it in stock, as it is newer and not yet stocked everywhere. If your local pharmacy does not have it, ask whether they can order it or refer you to another location.
Tetanus booster: covered when medically necessary
Medicare covers tetanus boosters (Td or Tdap) when medically necessary — typically every 10 years, or sooner if you have a wound that may be contaminated. You do not need a separate order for a routine booster; your doctor or pharmacist can administer it during a visit or at a walk-in clinic.
Tetanus boosters are available at doctor's offices, pharmacies, and urgent care clinics. If you are unsure when your last booster was, ask your doctor to check your vaccination record. Some people receive Tdap (which includes protection against pertussis) instead of Td; Medicare covers both.
Where to get vaccines and what to bring
You can receive covered vaccines at three main types of locations: your primary care doctor's office, a pharmacy chain (CVS, Walgreens, Rite Aid, Walmart), or a local health department clinic. All three are in the Medicare network as long as they are not specifically out-of-network providers.
Bring your Medicare card to any appointment. If you are getting a vaccine that requires a doctor's order (pneumococcal vaccines), ask your doctor to send the order to the pharmacy or clinic where you plan to get the shot. For walk-in vaccines (flu, shingles, COVID-19, RSV), you can call ahead to confirm the vaccine is in stock, or straightforward show up during pharmacy hours.
If you have a supplemental insurance plan (Medigap) or Medicare Advantage plan, bring that card as well, though it will not affect your vaccine coverage — Medicare Part B pays the full cost regardless.
Vaccines not covered by Medicare
Medicare does not cover all vaccines. Travel vaccines (yellow fever, typhoid, Japanese encephalitis) are not covered. Vaccines for diseases like hepatitis A or B are covered only if you have a specific medical condition that puts you at risk — for example, hepatitis B vaccine is covered if you have end-stage renal disease or are on dialysis.
If you need a vaccine that Medicare does not cover, ask your doctor whether it is medically necessary for your situation. Some supplemental insurance plans or Medicare Advantage plans may cover additional vaccines, so check your plan documents or call your plan's customer service line.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a doctor's order for every vaccine?
No. Flu, shingles, COVID-19, and RSV vaccines do not require a doctor's order — you can walk into a pharmacy or clinic and receive them. Pneumococcal and tetanus vaccines usually do require an order from your doctor, though some pharmacies can administer them under standing orders. Call ahead to ask.
What if I go to an out-of-network pharmacy?
If you receive a vaccine at an out-of-network provider, you may have to pay out of pocket and then request reimbursement from Medicare. To avoid this, confirm the pharmacy or clinic is in the Medicare network before your appointment. Your doctor's office can tell you which locations near you accept Medicare.
Can I get more than one vaccine at the same visit?
Yes. You can receive multiple vaccines in one visit, such as flu and pneumococcal on the same day. Some vaccines have spacing requirements — for example, the two shingles doses must be two to six months apart — but your doctor or pharmacist will manage the schedule.
Does my Part D prescription drug plan affect vaccine coverage?
No. Part B covers all vaccines, not Part D. Your prescription drug plan does not affect vaccine coverage or cost. You pay nothing for covered vaccines regardless of whether you have Part D.
What if I lost my vaccination record?
Your doctor's office can look up your vaccination history in your medical record. If you see multiple doctors, ask each office for a copy of your record. Pharmacies also keep records of vaccines they have given you, so you can call a pharmacy where you have received shots before and ask for a summary.