I want to get a shingles vaccine. Will Medicare cover this preventive service?

Question

Rich Baker · Accepted Answer

Short answer is no, Medicare Part B doesn’t cover the Shingles vaccine but Part D does. Part B covers vaccines like the flu vaccine, Covid-19, pneumonia, and hepatitis B for people at high risk. 

Part D standalone plans and Medicare Advantage with Prescription Drug (MAPD) plans will cover it at $0 because of the Inflation Reduction Act.

So - as long as you have Part D coverage, the Shingles vaccine (Shingrix) is covered. You should also know this is typically a two-part vaccine so you should plan on two trips to the pharmacy about 2-6 months apart to get the most protection.

Brian Cronin · Answer

Yes. Medicare Part D plans cover the shingles vaccine (Shingrix), and under current rules, there is no cost to you when it's received from a participating pharmacy or provider. Shingrix is given as a two-dose series, with the second dose typically administered 2 to 6 months after the first. If you're 50 or older, or have certain immune-related conditions, it's generally recommended to help prevent shingles and its complications.

Answered by Brian Cronin on June 1, 2026

Broker Licensed in NH & ME

Answered by Brian Cronin Medicare Insurance Agent

Norman Smith · Answer

The Shingles vaccine is covered by your Part D Prescription plan. It is not covered by Part A or B. Medicare Part D covers all the recommended vaccines by the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP). This includes Shingles, RSV, whooping cough, etc. The plan will not charge you a copayment or credit towards a deductible for doing so.

Answered by Norman Smith on April 6, 2025

Agent Licensed in FL, AL, NJ & PA

Answered by Norman Smith Medicare Insurance Agent

Chad Michael · Answer

The shingles vaccine is a Medicare approved vaccine. 

Be aware that Original Medicare ( Part A&B) do not cover it. 

It is covered under Part D (Drug Plan), or under a Medicare Advantage Plan with Prescription Drugs (MAPD).   

You will want to make sure you are going to an in network pharmacy and make sure they bill part D if you have a Part D drug plan.  

Most doctors offices can bill part D but some don't ( will cause a bill).  To avoid that most people get it done at the pharmacy.

David Quintal · Answer

Yes, Medicare will cover the shingles vaccine through Medicare Part D which is prescription drug coverage. This would be in a stand alone prescription Drug Plan (PDP) or in Part C which is a Medicare Advantage Prescription Drug Plan (MAPD). If the shingles vaccine is considered medically necessary, Part D covers the vaccine and Medicare beneficiaries usually pay nothing out of pocket. The same applies with MAPD plans. The Shingrix vaccine is usually given in two doses and is covered under Part D.

Answered by David Quintal on June 8, 2025

Broker Licensed in NH, AL, AZ & 14 other states

Answered by David Quintal Medicare Insurance Agent

Diana Garner · Answer

The shingles vaccine is fully covered if you have a Medicare Part D (standalone prescription drug plan) or a Medicare Advantage Plan (Part C) with prescription drug coverage.

Medicare Part D covers prescription drugs, and since shingles vaccines are considered preventive services, they are fully covered under Part D. 

If you have a Medicare Advantage plan that includes prescription drug coverage (Part D), it will also cover the shingles vaccine. 

With the Inflation Reduction Act, all out-of-pocket costs, including copays and deductibles, for vaccines recommended by the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) are eliminated.

Rachida Silva · Answer

yes, but the specific "part" of Medicare that covers it matters.
The shingles vaccine (Shingrix) is covered under Medicare Part D (prescription drug coverage). Because of changes from the Inflation Reduction Act, as of 2023, you should pay $0 out-of-pocket for the vaccine if you have a Part D plan or a Medicare Advantage plan that includes drug coverage.

Kris Moen · Answer

Yes — Medicare covers the shingles (Shingrix) vaccine at no cost to you.

As of 2023, Part D and Medicare Advantage plans must cover it with a $0 copay, as long as you get it from a pharmacy or provider in your plan’s network.

Fred Manas · Answer

Yes, Medicare generally covers the shingles vaccine (Shingrix). Specifically, Medicare Part D, which is the prescription drug coverage part of Medicare, covers this vaccine. Additionally, many Medicare Advantage plans also offer prescription drug coverage and will cover the vaccine. If you have Medicare Part D, you may not have to pay anything out-of-pocket for the shingles vaccine.

Answered by Fred Manas on May 23, 2025

Agent Licensed in NY, CT, DC & 7 other states

Answered by Fred Manas Medicare Insurance Agent

Ron Gambles · Answer

Medicare Part D covers the Shingles vaccination.  Part D is a prescription drug plan that you would purchase from a CMS approved Insurance provider.  It is typically purchased to compliment a Medicare Supplement Plan.  Or, one is bundled with a Medicare Advantage Plan.

People with a Part D plan usually do not pay out of pocket for most vaccines, including for the Shingles vaccine.  Neither Part A or B covers the Shingles vaccine.

Brittany Morris · Answer

While original Medicare will not cover this vaccine, your Part D plan should thanks to the Inflation Reduction Act. ACIP-recommended vaccines like Shingrix must be covered by Part D at 100%. To receive this you must visit an in network pharmacy or see a provider who can bill you prescription coverage.

Answered by Brittany Morris on December 4, 2025

Agent Licensed in LA

Answered by Brittany Morris Medicare Insurance Agent

Michael Yost · Answer

Medicare does not cover the shingles shot. The shingles shot is covered under Part D (a prescription plan). Once you enroll in a prescription drug plan, the shingles shot should be covered at 100%.

Cynthia Allen · Answer

Medicare Part D - which is your prescription drug plan will pay for the shingles shot. However, if you have a Medicare Advantage plan you will need to check with that plan to make sure it is covered. Part D covers all adult vaccines that the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices recommends.

Answered by Cynthia Allen on July 28, 2025

Agent Licensed in CA, GA, ID & 6 other states

Answered by Cynthia Allen Medicare Insurance Agent

Vanessa Aguirre · Answer

Yes, Shingles vaccine could be covered depending on your Medicare coverage. This information is available in your Medicare and You booklet. 

Medicare drug coverage (Part D) covers the shingles shot (not Medicare Part A or Medicare Part B ). This coverage is also included in Medicare Advantage plans, also known as Part C. Please visit your Summery of Benefit for details on vaccine benefits.

Marsha Reiniers · Answer

Yes, Medicare Part D, which covers your prescription medications, will cover the Shingles vaccination at no cost to you.

Joshua Allen · Answer

The shingles vaccine is covered by Medicare Part D. You will be responsible for the out-of-pocket expenses that are specific to the Medicare Part D plan you are enrolled in. Medicare Part D is the prescription drug portion of Medicare.

Answered by Joshua Allen on May 21, 2025

Broker Licensed in TX, AL, AZ & 20 other states

Answered by Joshua Allen Medicare Insurance Agent

Diane Prentice · Answer

Yes, Medicare Part D prescription drug plan and Medicare Advantage plans will cover all CDC recommend vaccines and no cost. The vaccine is given 2-6 months apart. The pharmacy or clinic is usually the one that administers them.

Answered by Diane Prentice on July 20, 2026

Broker Licensed in AZ, CA, NV & TX

Answered by Diane Prentice Medicare Insurance Agent

Greg Giordano · Answer

Yes, if you're enrolled in a Medicare prescription drug plan (Part D) or have a Medicare Advantage plan (Part C) that includes Medicare Part D drug coverage, your shot will be covered

Silvana Peacock · Answer

Yes, Medicare does cover the shingles vaccine, but it's provided through your Part D drug plan rather than Part B.
You may still have a copay depending on your plan, so it's best to check with your pharmacy or insurance to see your exact cost.

Dominic Javier · Answer

Yes, Medicare does cover the shingles vaccine as a preventive service. Specifically, the coverage falls under Medicare Part D, which pertains to prescription drug plans.

Michael Gilman · Answer

The short answer is YES Medicare Part D will cover your vaccine 

Shingrix (shingles vaccine)
Tdap
RSV vaccines

All other adult vaccines recommended by ACIP
ACIP = Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices

Steven Litzsinger · Answer

Yes, the shingles vaccine is covered by Medicare under Part D. In fact, it is covered and recommended as a preventive services for older adults.

Joanna Finnegan · Answer

Medicare Part D covers the shingles vaccine. You need to have a Part D plan or a Medicare Advantage plan that includes Part D to have this coverage.

Andre Cabral · Answer

Medicare Prescription Drug plans and Medicare Advantage with Prescription Drugs will cover the Shingles vaccine. Note that Original Medicare alone (Parts A and B) will not cover it.

Nicolas Johnson · Answer

if you wanna get a shingles vaccine. You will need to have a Medicare part D plan. Original Medicare A and B will not cover the vaccine. However, the vaccine should be a preventative service not costing you anything out of pocket through part D.

Answered by Nicolas Johnson on May 28, 2025

Agent Licensed in WI & IA

Answered by Nicolas Johnson Medicare Insurance Agent

Michael Turkaly · Answer

Medicare Drug coverage covers the shingles shot ( not Medicare Part A or Medicare Part B) . People with Part D usually pay nothing  out of pocket for most vaccines.

Cheri Rogers · Answer

Original Medicare Pat A & Part B does not cover a shingles shot without a 20% copay If you have a Part D prescription drug plan or a Medicare Advantage Plan with drug coverage many of those cover shingles shot at no cost to the client.

Answered by Cheri Rogers on June 2, 2026

Broker Licensed in NM & TX

Answered by Cheri Rogers Medicare Insurance Agent

Keara Vega-Hernandez · Answer

Great idea and Yes medicare will cover the shingle vaccine for most beneficiaries. Thanks to current medicare rules, you typically pay $0 out of pocket for the vaccine.

Tammy Stoner · Answer

Yes, Medicare will now cover the shingles vaccine.

The Inflation Reduction Act 2022 removed the high co-pays associated with the shingles vaccine.

Vachik Chakhbazian · Answer

Yes, Medicare covers the shingles vaccine through Medicare Part D or a Medicare Advantage plan with drug coverage.

Lea Vollmer · Answer

Yes, Medicare covers all preventive services that are approved by the ACIP, and shingles is covered if you have a Medicare Advantage plan. If you have a Supplement plan, Medicare does not cover the shingles shot; it would be covered under your Part D. So, if you are on OM and do not have Part D, you are not covered.

Answered by Lea Vollmer on May 13, 2026

Broker Licensed in IL, AL, AZ & 7 other states

Answered by Lea Vollmer Medicare Insurance Agent

Alondra Arce · Answer

Yep, Medicare does cover the shingles vaccine now, finally! If you have a Medicare Part D plan, it should be covered with little to no cost, depending on your plan.

Victoria R. Trevino · Answer

Medicare covers the shingles vaccine (Shingrix) as a preventative service at no cost to the Medicare client.

Glenn Soucek · Answer

The question is whether Medicare will cover the shingles vaccine. The shingles vaccine is usually covered by Medicare Part D or a Medicare Advantage plan that includes prescription drug coverage.

Colton Fisher · Answer

Your Part D prescription plan and our Medicare Advantage plan with prescription coverage would cover the shingles vaccine at no out of pocket cost to you.

David Bell · Answer

It does under Part D. There is generally no cost. Talk to your doctor and get a prescription. They will take it from there.

Mary Brown · Answer

Original Medicare ( Parts A&B) do not cover the Shingles vaccination but the Medicare Advantage or Medicare PDP Plans do.

Mel Stevens · Answer

Yes.  Medicare will cover preventive vaccines such as the Shingles vaccination.  I would suggest scheduling an appointment with your primary doctor if that's a concern.

Jami Mead · Answer

Yes Medicare does cover the shingles vaccination as a preventative measure. To explore the vaccinations that are covered by your plan, you can go to medicare.gov and see what is covered by preventative measures.

Answered by Jami Mead on September 8, 2025

Broker Licensed in OH, FL, GA & 11 other states

Answered by Jami Mead Medicare Insurance Agent

Deb Haley · Answer

The shingles vaccine is now covered like other vaccines under Medicare. For the two shot shingrad vaccine there is currently a $0 copay

Matthew Moreno · Answer

Traditionally it's going to be covered by you're PDP if it's done at a pharmacy and you're Medicare Advantage or Medicare if its done at a medical office. Usually Prescription Drug Plans Are going to be covering prescriptions that are considered recommended for adults and shingles is one.

Answered by Matthew Moreno on September 21, 2025

Broker Licensed in IL, AZ, FL, TX & VA

Answered by Matthew Moreno Medicare Insurance Agent

Jonathan Potter · Answer

It will cover it but at 80/20. You pay 20% of the cost of the medication. There are usually two shots as well.

Stephanie Gonzales-Sager · Answer

You can go to CVS, Walgreens, or Walmart and it should be no cost to you since it' s preventive. Take your Medicare Advantage card and show it to them just in case you need to show them your insurance membership card, which covers your Drugs under and Advantage plan.

Answered by Stephanie Gonzales-Sager on May 11, 2026

Agent Licensed in TX

Answered by Stephanie Gonzales-Sager Medicare Insurance Agent

Wendy Zapata · Answer

Yes Medicare now covers the shingle vaccine. Remember it’s a series of 2 vaccines. So prepare for this.

Timothy Brown · Answer

A Medicare plan that covers preventative services such as the shingles shot, flu shot and COVID 19 will be covered at $0

Debbi Wallace · Answer

Yes, Medicare does cover the shingles vaccine and many other preventive vaccines. You should get the preventive vaccines as they become available.

Michael Murray · Answer

Medicare Advantage and Medigap plans will cover the shot that you referenced. Medicare insurance by itself will not cover that shot, but if you have a Prescription Drug Plan check with them for the answer on that coverage. Always check with your insurance carrier for the coverages on shots.

Answered by Michael Murray on June 29, 2026

Agent Licensed in NC, SC & TN

Answered by Michael Murray Medicare Insurance Agent

Lt Col Tim Brown · Answer

Shingles is a shot that Medicare approves.  Please call your plan and let them know you want this to make sure they cover it.

Sagrario &quot;Sage&quot; Dyer · Answer

Yes!  This will be covered under Part B prevention features.  Always check with your local pharmacy for availability and possible need for a referral from you primary doctor.

Jennifer Wesolek · Answer

The shingles vaccine is a covered vaccine on Medicare so it will be covered provided you have Medicare Insurance.

Gary Henderson · Answer

Yes and as always you need to distinguish with Medicare or Medicare advantage because there are differences 
Original Medicare does cover numerous vaccines for seniors including shingles

Michele Wagoner · Answer

Great question!  Medicare covers at $0 all preventative vaccinations.  Every carrier has zero dollar coverage for preventative vaccinations.

Suzanne Lamperti · Answer

Yes, Medicare covers a number of various vaccines and services. Check your Medicare and You book for more information  on what's covered.

Ray McCauley · Answer

Yes, this is covered under part C of a medicare advantage plan. Because it is recomended by the cdc to have done, medicare pays for it

Paul Wyatt · Answer

Absolutely!  Medicare A&B covers preventative services like the shingles vaccine as well as many others like flu, pneumonia, covid-19, and many others.

Bill Wheeler · Answer

No, Medicare Part D (prescription drug coverage) does not automatically come with Medicare. It's a separate, optional component of the Medicare program that you can choose to enroll in

Sue Mendoza · Answer

Medicare covers vaccinations. Your summary of benefits shows what is covered for a quick reference.

Steve and Sue Brauer · Answer

There is never an "always" answer... but in most cases vaccines are covered at 100% now with most plans. Again, if you have an agent, they should be able to answer that question for you

Daniel Brechin · Answer

No, it will not and is recommended to all seniors beginning in 2000.   This has been part of Medicare programs for years.

Danielle Jimison · Answer

This answer is provided in a video format. Watch the agent's video response here: https://medicareagentshub.com/questions/medicare-shingles-vaccine-coverage#danielle-jimison