Does Medicare Cover Flu Shots?

Is the flu shot covered, and which part of Medicare pays?

The seasonal flu vaccine is covered under Medicare Part B, which is the part of Original Medicare that handles doctor visits, outpatient care, and most preventive services. You do not need a separate prescription drug plan to get your flu shot covered.

This is worth knowing because most other vaccines are handled differently. Vaccines like the flu shot, the pneumococcal (pneumonia) shot, the COVID-19 vaccine, and the hepatitis B vaccine fall under Part B. Other common vaccines, such as the shingles shot, are covered under Part D drug plans instead. The flu shot is firmly a Part B benefit.

How much does a flu shot cost with Medicare?

You pay $0 for your flu shot when your doctor, pharmacy, or other provider accepts Medicare assignment. 'Accepting assignment' means the provider agrees to charge only the Medicare-approved amount and to bill Medicare directly. The vast majority of doctors and pharmacies do this.

• No copayment for the flu vaccine.
• No coinsurance — you do not pay the usual 20% Part B coinsurance that applies to many other services.
• No deductible — the annual Part B deductible ($283 in 2026) does not apply to the flu shot, so you owe nothing even if you have not met your deductible yet.
• Caution: If a provider does NOT accept Medicare assignment, you may be charged more than the Medicare-approved amount. Ask before you get the shot, or simply choose a provider that accepts assignment.

How often can I get one, and which vaccine does Medicare cover?

Medicare covers one flu shot per flu season. If your doctor documents that an additional flu shot in the same season is medically necessary, Medicare will cover that too. A flu 'season' spans the fall and winter and can overlap two calendar years, so it is possible to get a covered shot in late one year and again early the next if they fall in different seasons.

For the 2025–2026 flu season, Medicare covers a trivalent flu vaccine, which protects against three different flu viruses. Your provider will give you the appropriate vaccine for the current season — you do not need to request a specific product to be covered.

Where can I get a Medicare-covered flu shot?

You can get your covered flu shot in many convenient places, including your doctor's office and your local pharmacy. Many pharmacies offer walk-in flu shots, which can be the easiest option.

• Original Medicare (Part B): Use any doctor, pharmacy, or provider that accepts Medicare assignment to pay $0.
• Medicare Advantage (Part C): Your plan must cover the flu shot, and it is $0 when you use an in-network provider. Because networks vary by plan, contact your plan or check your plan directory before you go to confirm the location is in-network.
• Bring your red, white, and blue Medicare card — or, if you have Medicare Advantage, your plan's member card.

What other vaccines does Medicare cover?

The flu shot is one of several vaccines Medicare covers, but they are split between Part B and Part D. Knowing which is which helps you avoid an unexpected bill.

• Part B vaccines (covered at $0 when the provider accepts assignment): flu, pneumococcal (pneumonia), COVID-19, and hepatitis B (hepatitis B for people at medium or high risk).
• Part D vaccines: Vaccines not covered by Part B — such as the shingles vaccine (Shingrix) and Tdap (tetanus, diphtheria, pertussis) — are covered under Medicare Part D drug plans. Since January 1, 2023, under the Inflation Reduction Act, all adult vaccines recommended by the ACIP and covered under Part D are available at $0 with no deductible.
• If you are unsure which part covers a specific vaccine, ask your provider or call your drug plan before getting the shot.