Does medicare cover flu shots

Yes — Medicare covers the seasonal flu shot under Part B (or through a Medicare Advantage Plan). You generally pay nothing for the flu shot as long as you get it from a provider or pharmacy that accepts Medicare.

What Does Medicare Cover Regarding Flu Shots

• Medicare Part B considers the flu vaccine a preventive service and covers one flu shot per flu season. 

• If you have a Medicare Advantage plan (Part C), flu shots are covered as part of the plan’s requirements to match Original Medicare benefits. 

• There’s no copayment, coinsurance, or deductible for the flu shot — it’s fully covered when a participating provider (one that accepts Medicare assignment) gives it. 

How Often and Where You Can Get the Shot

• Flu shots are provided once per flu season. If flu seasons overlap with calendar years (for example, a shot in early year and another in late year), it’s possible to get covered shots twice in a single calendar year — as long as they correspond to different flu seasons. 

• You can get the flu shot at many venues: your doctor’s office, local pharmacy, clinics — wherever the provider accepts Medicare. 

What About Additional Vaccines or Extra Shots?

• If medically necessary, additional flu shots may also be covered. 

• Other vaccines — depending on what they are — may be covered under different parts of Medicare (e.g., Part D for certain adult immunizations), but flu shots are covered under Part B or Advantage plans. 

FAQ

Do I pay out-of-pocket for a flu shot under Medicare?
No — if the provider accepts Medicare assignment, the shot is free (no copay, no deductible).

If I have a Medicare Advantage plan, is the flu shot still covered?
Yes — flu shots are required to be covered under Advantage plans just as under Original Medicare.

Can I get a flu shot every year on Medicare?
Yes — one shot per flu season is covered. If flu seasons straddle calendar years, you might get two in one calendar year (but from different flu seasons).

Where can I get a flu shot with Medicare?
At most pharmacies, medical clinics, doctor’s offices — anywhere a provider accepts Medicare and gives flu vaccines.

What if I’m under 65 but on Medicare (e.g. due to disability)?
Medicare covers flu shots for all eligible beneficiaries, regardless of age.

Summary (Featured-Snippet Ready)

Medicare (Part B or Medicare Advantage) covers the seasonal flu shot 100%, once per flu season, with no cost to the recipient — provided the vaccination is given by a Medicare-approved provider.

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