Does Medicare cover it? A to Z
Does Medicare cover flu shots?
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Short answer
Covered: Part B
Yes, Medicare Part B (Medical Insurance) covers the seasonal flu vaccine as a preventive service, usually one flu shot each flu season.
With Medicare Part B, you pay nothing for a flu vaccine if your doctor or other health care provider accepts assignment for giving the vaccine.
For the 2026-2027 flu season, Medicare.gov says people with Medicare Part B can get a trivalent flu vaccine, which protects against 3 different flu viruses.
| Fact | Figure | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Which part covers it | Medicare Part B, as a preventive service | Medicare.gov |
| How often | Usually one vaccine each flu season | Medicare.gov |
| What you pay | Nothing, if your provider accepts assignment for giving the vaccine | Medicare.gov |
| This season's vaccine | A trivalent flu vaccine that protects against 3 different flu viruses | Medicare.gov |
| Where to get it | Many places, including your doctor's office and your local pharmacy | Medicare.gov |
| With other vaccines | Safe to get with other vaccines, like the COVID-19 and RSV vaccines | Medicare.gov |
What does Medicare cover for flu shots?
Medicare Part B covers the seasonal flu vaccine as a preventive service. Flu vaccines can keep you from getting sick with seasonal influenza (flu) viruses during the fall and winter.
This 2026-2027 flu season you can get a trivalent flu vaccine that protects against 3 different flu viruses. People 65 and older can get a trivalent flu vaccine to lower the risk of hospital visits and death, and Medicare.gov says the trivalent vaccine is safe and effective.
How often does Medicare cover a flu shot?
Medicare Part B usually covers one flu vaccine each flu season.
What do I pay for a flu shot?
You pay nothing for a flu vaccine if your doctor or other health care provider accepts assignment for giving the vaccine. Assignment means your provider agrees to be paid directly by Medicare, to accept the payment amount Medicare approves, and not to bill you for more than the Medicare deductible and coinsurance.
Medicare.gov suggests asking your doctor or other health care provider how much a service will cost. Specific amounts you could owe depend on:
- Other insurance you may have
- How much your doctor charges
- Whether your doctor accepts assignment
- The type of facility
- Where you get your test, item or service
Where can I get a flu shot with Medicare?
You can get your flu vaccine at many places, including your doctor's office and your local pharmacy. Contact them for details.
Can I get a flu shot with other vaccines?
Yes. Medicare.gov says it's safe to get the flu vaccine with other vaccines, like the COVID-19 and RSV vaccines. If you're 65 or older, you have a higher risk of getting sick from respiratory viruses like the flu, COVID-19 and Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV), and vaccines are a safe way to protect yourself from serious complications and hospital visits.
Medicare Part B covers the COVID-19 vaccine, and Medicare drug coverage (Part D) covers the RSV vaccine. See Medicare coverage of the COVID-19 vaccine and Medicare coverage of the RSV vaccine.
Does Medicare Advantage change flu shot coverage?
A Medicare Advantage Plan must give you at least the same coverage as Original Medicare, but the plan may have different rules. Medicare.gov also says that if you have a Medicare Advantage Plan, you should contact your plan to find out where you can get the RSV vaccine. See how Medicare Advantage differs from Original Medicare.
Good to know
More questions people ask
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Related questions
- Medicare.gov: Flu vaccines
- Medicare.gov: Preventive and screening services
- Medicare.gov: What Part B covers
- Medicare.gov: How do drug plans work?
Figures are Medicare’s, set nationally, and were checked against these pages on October 2026. For your own situation, contact Medicare.gov or 1-800-MEDICARE (TTY 1-877-486-2048).
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This page was last updated: October 2026.