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Vaccines covered by Medicare Part D

Thanks to the Inflation Reduction Act, all ACIP-recommended vaccines are now $0 out of pocket under Medicare Part D — no deductible, no copay.

What changed for Medicare vaccines

Before 2023, Medicare beneficiaries often paid hundreds of dollars out of pocket for vaccines like Shingrix (shingles) under their Part D plan. The Inflation Reduction Act changed that. Starting January 1, 2023, all vaccines recommended by the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) for adults are completely free under Part D — no deductible, no copay, no coinsurance.

This is a major change that many seniors still don't know about. If you got the shingles vaccine before 2023 and paid hundreds of dollars, that out-of-pocket cost is gone now.

Vaccines covered with $0 cost-sharing under Part D

Your Part D plan must cover these vaccines at no cost to you when administered at a Medicare-contracted pharmacy:

  • Shingles (Shingrix) — recommended for adults 50+, two doses 2-6 months apart
  • RSV (Arexvy, Abrysvo, mResvia) — recommended for adults 75+ and adults 60-74 at high risk
  • Tdap (Tetanus, Diphtheria, Pertussis) — booster every 10 years
  • Hepatitis A and Hepatitis B — for those at risk
  • HPV (human papillomavirus) — recommended for adults up to age 26 (or up to 45 with shared decision-making)
  • MMR (Measles, Mumps, Rubella) — for those without immunity
  • Chickenpox (Varicella) — for those without immunity
  • Meningococcal — for those at risk
  • Mpox (monkeypox) — for those at risk

Vaccines covered under Part B (also free)

Some vaccines are covered under Medicare Part B (medical insurance), not Part D. These are also $0 with no deductible:

  • Flu (influenza) — annually
  • Pneumonia (pneumococcal) — typically two doses in your lifetime
  • COVID-19 — including updated boosters
  • Hepatitis B — for medium-to-high-risk beneficiaries

Why it matters which "Part" covers a vaccine

If a vaccine is covered under Part B, you can get it at your doctor's office or pharmacy at no cost. If it's covered under Part D, you typically need to get it at a pharmacy that's in your Part D plan's network. Going to an out-of-network pharmacy could mean paying the full cost.

Where to get your vaccines

For Part D vaccines, get them at a pharmacy that participates in your Part D plan's network. Major chains like CVS, Walgreens, Rite Aid, Walmart, Costco, and most independent pharmacies offer vaccines on-site. You can also ask your doctor — but Part D vaccines administered in a doctor's office can sometimes have higher costs because of the way billing works.

For Part B vaccines (flu, COVID, pneumonia), you can get them at your doctor's office, urgent care, or any pharmacy that bills Medicare directly.

Travel vaccines

Vaccines specifically for international travel — yellow fever, typhoid, Japanese encephalitis, cholera — are not covered by Medicare. You'll typically pay $50–$200+ per vaccine at a travel clinic.

If you're charged for a covered vaccine

If you go to the pharmacy and they tell you there's a copay for a vaccine that should be free, ask them to check that they're billing it correctly. Sometimes pharmacies bill the wrong way and inadvertently charge a copay. If the pharmacy won't fix it, contact your Part D plan's customer service. You can also file a complaint with Medicare at 1-800-MEDICARE.

Frequently asked questions

Is the shingles vaccine free under Medicare?

Yes. As of January 1, 2023, the shingles vaccine (Shingrix) is completely free under Medicare Part D — no deductible, no copay. You need to get it at a pharmacy in your Part D plan's network.

Is the RSV vaccine covered by Medicare?

Yes. The RSV vaccine is covered at $0 under Medicare Part D for adults 75 and older, and for adults 60-74 at higher risk. There is no copay or deductible.

Does Medicare cover the flu shot?

Yes. The flu shot is covered under Medicare Part B (not Part D) at no cost to you. You can get it at your doctor's office, pharmacy, or urgent care.

Why am I being charged for a vaccine that should be free?

If you're charged for a vaccine that's supposed to be free, ask the pharmacy to verify they're billing it correctly. Sometimes pharmacies bill incorrectly and inadvertently charge a copay. If they won't fix it, contact your Part D plan or call 1-800-MEDICARE.

Are travel vaccines covered by Medicare?

No. Vaccines for international travel — like yellow fever, typhoid, or cholera — are not covered by Medicare. You'll typically pay full cost at a travel clinic.