What Vaccines Does Medicare Cover? Part B vs. Part D Shots (2026)

Reviewed September 29, 2026. Medicare covers vaccines under two parts. Part B covers flu, pneumococcal (pneumonia), COVID-19 and hepatitis B shots (for people who qualify), usually at no cost when the provider accepts assignment. Part D covers the other adult vaccines recommended by the CDC’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP), such as shingles, Tdap (tetanus, diphtheria and whooping cough) and RSV, with no deductible or copay.

Quick answer: If you have both Part B and a Part D plan (or a Medicare Advantage plan with drug coverage), most recommended adult vaccines cost you $0. Where you get the shot matters: Part B shots are billed to Medicare, while Part D shots should be given at an in-network pharmacy or a provider who can bill your drug plan.

Vaccines covered by Medicare Part B

Sources: Medicare.gov coverage pages for flu shots, pneumococcal shots, COVID-19 vaccines and hepatitis B shots.

Medicare also notes that your actual cost can depend on other insurance, how much the provider charges, whether the provider accepts assignment, the type of facility and where you get the vaccine, so ask before the appointment if you are unsure.

Vaccines covered by Medicare Part D

Part D covers all adult vaccines recommended by ACIP that aren’t covered under Part B, and your drug plan can’t charge a copayment or apply a deductible for those vaccines. See Medicare’s shingles shot page.

• Shingles vaccine: $0 with Part D.
• Tdap vaccine (tetanus, diphtheria, whooping cough): covered by Part D, not Part B, and $0 with Part D. Medicare.gov: Tdap vaccines.
• RSV vaccine: listed by Medicare among the ACIP-recommended vaccines covered by drug plans.

If you don’t have Part D or a Medicare Advantage plan with drug coverage, you may pay the full price for these shots. Going without drug coverage can also trigger the Part D late enrollment penalty.

Does Medicare cover a tetanus shot after an injury?

A routine tetanus booster (Tdap) is a Part D vaccine. Separately, Medicare says it also covers some other vaccines when they’re directly related to treating an injury or illness, so a tetanus shot given as part of treatment for a wound may be billed under Part B. In that case, the usual Part B deductible ($283 in 2026) and 20% coinsurance can apply. Read Medicare’s outpatient drug coverage page.

Vaccines with Medicare Advantage

Medicare Advantage plans must cover everything Original Medicare covers, so Part B vaccines are included. Most Medicare Advantage plans also include Part D drug coverage, which covers ACIP-recommended vaccines like shingles and Tdap. Check your plan’s pharmacy network before getting a shot. If you are reviewing plans this fall, our Medicare plan comparison worksheet lists what to check.

Where to get vaccinated

1. Doctor’s office: Best for Part B vaccines. For Part D vaccines, ask whether the office can bill your drug plan directly.
2. Pharmacy: Many in-network pharmacies can bill Part B for flu, pneumococcal and COVID-19 shots and Part D for shingles, Tdap and RSV.
3. Local health department: May offer vaccines on a walk-in basis.

For other preventive benefits, see The Basics of Medicare Coverage and Welcome to Medicare, which covers the one-time preventive visit for new enrollees.

Frequently asked questions

What vaccines are covered by Medicare Part B?

Flu, pneumococcal and COVID-19 vaccines, plus hepatitis B shots for people who meet Medicare’s criteria. Part B can also cover some vaccines directly related to treating an injury or illness.

Does Medicare pay for pneumonia shots?

Yes. Pneumococcal vaccines are a Part B preventive service, and you pay nothing if your provider accepts assignment.

Does Medicare pay for the shingles shot?

Yes, through Part D. You pay nothing for the shingles vaccine if you have Part D coverage.

Does Medicare cover tetanus shots?

A routine Tdap booster is covered by Part D at no cost. A tetanus shot given to treat an injury may be covered under Part B instead.

Does Medicare cover the hepatitis A vaccine?

Hepatitis A isn’t on Medicare’s Part B vaccine list. Adult vaccines recommended by ACIP that aren’t covered by Part B fall under Part D, so ask your drug plan whether it covers hepatitis A for your situation.

This article is general information. Medicare365 is not affiliated with or endorsed by the U.S. government or the federal Medicare program.

Official sources

• Medicare.gov: Flu shots
• Medicare.gov: Pneumococcal shots
• Medicare.gov: COVID-19 vaccine
• Medicare.gov: Hepatitis B shots
• Medicare.gov: Shingles shot
• Medicare.gov: Tdap vaccines
• Medicare.gov: 2026 Medicare costs