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Medicare · Coverage

Does Medicare cover COVID, flu, and RSV vaccines?

Last reviewed October 29, 20264 min readBy the Goodsurance editorial team Reviewed by the Goodsurance editorial team

Medicare pays for all three fall shots, but not all through the same part. Flu and COVID-19 shots are under Part B. The RSV shot is under Part D, your drug coverage. That split decides which card you hand the pharmacist, and whether you can get a bill. Here is how each one works.

Which part pays for which shot

Medicare splits vaccines between Part B and Part D. Part B is your medical coverage. Part D is your drug coverage.

  • Part B: flu, COVID-19, pneumococcal (pneumonia), and hepatitis B for people who qualify.
  • Part D: every other adult vaccine the national vaccine advisory group recommends. That group is called ACIP. The list includes RSV, shingles, and Tdap.

If you have Original Medicare and no drug plan, Medicare covers your flu and COVID-19 shots, but not your RSV shot. For the shingles shot, see Does Medicare cover the shingles vaccine?

In short: flu and COVID-19 are Part B. RSV is Part D. Each one costs you $0 when billed the right way.

Flu shot

Part B covers the flu shot, usually once each flu season. You pay nothing if the doctor, nurse, or pharmacist who gives it accepts assignment. Assignment means they take Medicare's approved amount as full payment.

For the 2026 to 2027 flu season, Medicare.gov says you can get a flu vaccine that guards against 3 flu viruses. You can get it at your doctor's office or a local pharmacy. Bring your red, white, and blue Medicare card.

COVID-19 vaccine

Part B covers COVID-19 vaccines that the FDA has approved or authorized. You pay nothing if your provider accepts assignment.

When we checked Medicare.gov on October 29, 2026, it said Part B covers the updated 2025 to 2026 COVID-19 vaccines for anyone who has Medicare. Check Medicare.gov or ask your pharmacist about the current vaccine.

  • Shots at home: if you have a disability or it is hard for you to leave home, Medicare will pay a provider to give you the vaccine at home. Ask your doctor.
  • No extra fees: if the vaccine is the only care you get, the provider cannot charge you for an office visit or any other fee.
  • On the form: if it asks for a group number and you have Part B, leave it blank or write N/A.

RSV vaccine

RSV is a virus that can make some older adults very sick. The RSV shot is covered by Part D, not Part B. If you have Part D, you pay nothing. Your plan cannot charge a copay or apply a deductible for vaccines ACIP recommends.

Medicare.gov says these people are at high risk of serious illness from RSV:

  • Adults 75 and older.
  • Adults 50 to 74 with certain health conditions.

Ask your doctor if the shot is right for you. Bring your drug plan card. A Medicare Advantage Plan covers the RSV shot if the plan includes drug coverage. Without Part D, Medicare does not pay for it. Learn more in our guide to Part D.

How a bill can show up, and what to do

  • You got other care at the same visit. The shot itself should cost you $0 if billed the right way. Other services, like an exam for a health problem, can bring a copay or the Part B deductible.
  • The RSV shot was billed to Part B. It belongs on your drug plan. Ask the office to bill your Part D plan, or ask your plan how to get paid back.
  • You were charged a fee for a COVID-19 shot alone. Ask for a refund. Medicare.gov says you can report it to the HHS Office of Inspector General at 1-800-HHS-TIPS.

Check your Medicare Summary Notice for Part B shots, or your plan's Explanation of Benefits. Never give your Medicare number to someone who calls or visits you without being asked.

  • If you have Medicaid too: ask your state Medicaid office what it pays.

In short: bring the right card, get the shot by itself if you can, and ask before any extra service.

Common questions about Medicare

Quick answers, fast .

Tap any question to expand. Each links to a fuller standalone answer.

Does Medicare pay for flu shots at the pharmacy?

Yes. Part B covers the flu shot at a pharmacy or a doctor's office. You pay nothing if the provider accepts assignment. Bring your red, white, and blue Medicare card.

Is the RSV vaccine covered by Medicare Part B?

No. The RSV vaccine is covered by Part D, Medicare's drug coverage. If you have Part D, you pay nothing for it. Without Part D, Medicare does not pay.

How often does Medicare cover a flu shot?

Usually once each flu season. You pay nothing if your provider accepts assignment.

Can I get a COVID-19 vaccine at home with Medicare?

Yes, if you have a disability or it is hard for you to leave home. Medicare pays a provider to give you the shot at home, and it costs you nothing. Ask your doctor, or call 1-800-MEDICARE.

References

  1. Medicare.gov, Flu vaccinesPart B covers one flu shot each season at no cost.
  2. Medicare.gov, COVID-19 vaccineWhich COVID-19 vaccines Part B covers, shots at home, and what to do if you are charged.
  3. Medicare.gov, Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) ShotPart D covers the RSV shot, and you pay nothing if you have Part D.
  4. Medicare & You 2027 (official Medicare handbook)The full list of which vaccines Part B covers and which Part D covers.

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