The short answer
Yes — the shingles vaccine (Shingrix) and other recommended adult vaccines are now available at no cost to you under Medicare Part D. A change that took effect in 2023 eliminated the deductible and cost-sharing for adult vaccines recommended by the CDC, so you no longer pay a copay for them.
This is a genuinely good change that a lot of people still don't know about. Before it, the shingles shot could cost well over a hundred dollars out of pocket, and that cost kept people from getting it. Now, if you have a Part D drug plan, it's covered at zero cost.
Which vaccines are free — and under which part
Here's the split that causes confusion. Vaccines fall under two different parts of Medicare. Part B covers a specific set — the flu shot, the COVID-19 vaccine, pneumococcal (pneumonia) vaccines, and hepatitis B for people at risk — at no cost. Everything else the CDC recommends for adults, including shingles and the RSV vaccine, is covered under Part D.
So the shingles and RSV shots are Part D vaccines, and thanks to the 2023 change they're free if you have a Part D plan. The flu and COVID shots are Part B and also free. Together, that covers the vaccines most older adults need.
The one thing to check
Because shingles and RSV run through Part D, you need to get them the way your Part D plan expects — usually at a pharmacy rather than billed as a medical visit at a doctor's office, since a doctor's office may not be set up to bill Part D. Getting it at an in-network pharmacy is the clean way to make sure it's covered at zero cost.
If you're not sure how your drug plan handles vaccines, it's a quick thing to confirm. Our guide to checking your Medicare drug coverage can help you see how your plan works, and our overview of the zero-dollar preventive care Medicare covers covers what else is free.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the shingles vaccine free on Medicare?
Yes. Since 2023, the shingles vaccine (Shingrix) is covered at no cost under Medicare Part D, with no deductible or copay, for people who have a Part D drug plan.
Does Medicare cover the RSV vaccine?
Yes. The RSV vaccine is a Part D vaccine and is covered at no cost for people with a Part D plan under the same rule that made recommended adult vaccines free.
Why do I need a Part D plan to get these free?
Shingles and RSV are covered under Part D, not Part B. Without a Part D drug plan, you'd have no Part D coverage to pay for them. Flu and COVID shots, by contrast, are covered under Part B.
Where should I get the shingles or RSV shot?
Usually at an in-network pharmacy, since pharmacies are set up to bill Part D. A doctor's office may not bill Part D for vaccines, which can lead to an unexpected charge.
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