Starting in 2026, Medicare covers all vaccines recommended by the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) at zero cost to you. No copays. No deductibles. No coinsurance.
This is a big change. Before the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022, some vaccines under Medicare Part D could cost beneficiaries $100 or more out of pocket. That cost barrier meant many seniors skipped shots they needed. Those days are over.
Here is the full list of vaccines now covered at no cost, who needs them, and how to get them.
What Changed and Why
Before 2023, Medicare vaccine coverage was split between two parts:
- Part B covered a small number of vaccines for free: flu, pneumonia, COVID-19, and hepatitis B.
- Part D (prescription drug plans) covered everything else, like shingles and Tdap. But Part D had copays, deductibles, and coinsurance that could make those vaccines expensive.
The Inflation Reduction Act changed this starting in 2023. It required all Part D plans to cover all ACIP-recommended vaccines with no cost-sharing. Combined with the vaccines already free under Part B, this means every recommended adult vaccine is now free for Medicare beneficiaries.
The Complete List of Free Vaccines for 2026
Here is every vaccine recommended for adults aged 65 and older that Medicare now covers at zero cost:
Annual Vaccines
- Influenza (flu). Recommended every year, ideally in September or October. Seniors should get the high-dose or adjuvanted version, which produces a stronger immune response. Covered under Part B.
- COVID-19. Updated vaccines are available for the current circulating variants. The CDC recommends that adults 65 and older receive an updated dose. Covered under Part B.
Pneumonia Vaccines
- Pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV20, sold as Prevnar 20). One dose for adults 65 and older who have never received a pneumococcal conjugate vaccine. Covered under Part B.
- Pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine (PPSV23, sold as Pneumovax 23). May be recommended in certain sequences depending on your vaccination history. Your doctor can advise. Covered under Part B.
Shingles Vaccine
- Recombinant zoster vaccine (Shingrix). Two doses, given 2 to 6 months apart. Recommended for all adults 50 and older. This vaccine is about 90% effective at preventing shingles. Covered under Part D at zero cost.
This is the vaccine that used to cost some Medicare beneficiaries $150 to $200 per dose. It is now completely free.
Tetanus, Diphtheria, and Pertussis
- Tdap (Boostrix or Adacel). One dose if you have never received Tdap as an adult. Covered under Part D at zero cost.
- Td booster. Recommended every 10 years to maintain tetanus and diphtheria protection. Covered under Part D at zero cost.
Hepatitis Vaccines
- Hepatitis B. A series of 2 or 3 doses depending on the vaccine. Recommended for all adults aged 19 to 59. Adults 60 and older may receive it based on risk factors or if they simply want protection. Covered under Part B.
- Hepatitis A. Two doses given 6 months apart. Recommended based on risk factors such as travel, liver disease, or other conditions. Covered under Part D at zero cost.
RSV Vaccine
- Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) vaccine. The FDA approved RSV vaccines for adults 60 and older in 2023. The CDC recommends that adults 75 and older get one dose. Adults 60 to 74 with increased risk (such as chronic heart or lung disease) should also consider it. Covered under Part D at zero cost.
Other Covered Vaccines
- Meningococcal vaccines. Recommended for adults with certain medical conditions, such as a damaged or missing spleen, or complement component deficiency. Covered under Part D at zero cost.
- Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib). Recommended for adults with certain conditions, including sickle cell disease or a missing spleen. Covered under Part D at zero cost.
How to Get Your Free Vaccines
Getting vaccinated is straightforward. You have several options:
At your doctor’s office. Your primary care doctor can give you most vaccines during a regular visit. This is often the easiest option because your doctor knows your medical history and can tell you which vaccines you need.
At a pharmacy. Most chain pharmacies (CVS, Walgreens, Walmart, Rite Aid) give vaccines without an appointment. You do not need a prescription. Just bring your Medicare card. The pharmacist will bill Medicare directly.
At a health department or community clinic. Local health departments often hold vaccine clinics, especially during flu season. These are free for Medicare beneficiaries.
At a hospital outpatient department. If you are already at the hospital for another appointment, you can often get vaccines there.
No matter where you go, bring your red, white, and blue Medicare card. If you have a Medicare Advantage plan, bring that card instead. The provider will bill Medicare, and you should pay nothing.
What If You Are Charged
If a provider tries to charge you for a vaccine that should be free, here is what to do:
- Confirm the vaccine is ACIP-recommended. If it is on the list above, it should be free.
- Make sure the provider accepts Medicare assignment. Providers who accept assignment agree to charge only what Medicare approves. Almost all do, but it is worth asking.
- Do not pay the charge. Ask the provider to resubmit the claim to Medicare.
- If you already paid, request a refund. The provider is required to refund you for cost-sharing that should not have been charged.
- Call 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227) if you cannot resolve the issue with the provider directly.
Which Vaccines Do You Actually Need?
Not everyone needs every vaccine on this list. Here is a simplified guide for most adults 65 and older:
Almost everyone should get:
- Flu shot every year (high-dose version)
- Updated COVID-19 vaccine
- Shingrix (if you have not already completed the two-dose series)
- Pneumococcal vaccine (if you have not already received one)
- Td or Tdap booster (if it has been 10 or more years since your last one)
Talk to your doctor about:
- RSV vaccine (especially if you are 75 or older, or have heart or lung disease)
- Hepatitis B (if you have risk factors or want the protection)
- Hepatitis A (if you travel internationally or have liver disease)
You probably do not need (unless you have specific risk factors):
- Meningococcal vaccines
- Hib vaccine
Your doctor can review your vaccination history and tell you exactly what you are missing. Many doctors’ offices have electronic records of past vaccinations. If yours does not, check with your state’s immunization registry. Most states maintain one.
Why It Matters
Vaccines prevent serious illness, hospitalization, and death. For adults over 65, the risks from these diseases are higher than for younger people. Shingles can cause weeks of severe pain and lasting nerve damage. Pneumonia kills about 50,000 Americans per year, and most of the deaths are among older adults. Flu and RSV each send hundreds of thousands of seniors to the hospital every year.
Before the Inflation Reduction Act, cost was a real barrier. A study published in the journal Vaccine found that Medicare Part D cost-sharing reduced shingles vaccination rates by nearly 30% compared to what they would have been with free coverage.
Now that barrier is gone. Every recommended vaccine is free. The only thing left is making an appointment.
Reported by Margaret Chen with additional research from the SeniorDaily editorial team. For corrections or updates, please contact us.
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