{"id":48848,"date":"2022-02-11T13:22:03","date_gmt":"2022-02-11T18:22:03","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/?p=48848"},"modified":"2026-06-10T17:06:37","modified_gmt":"2026-06-10T21:06:37","slug":"does-medicare-cover-pneumonia-shots","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/does-medicare-cover-pneumonia-shots\/","title":{"rendered":"Does Medicare cover pneumonia shots?"},"content":{"rendered":"

As you get older, the risk of pneumonia gets higher and it can be prevented with a vaccine. This is particularly relevant for many Medicare consumers who are 65 years and older. So, does Medicare cover pneumonia shots?<\/span><\/p>\n

Does Medicare cover pneumonia shots?<\/span><\/h2>\n

Medicare Part B covers pneumonia shots, according to <\/span>medicare.gov<\/span><\/a>. People enrolled in Medicare Part B can receive the first pneumonia shot at any time and a different, second shot if it\u2019s given at least one year after the first.<\/span><\/p>\n

Part B is included in both Original Medicare and Medicare Advantage plans (also called Medicare Part C), so both types of Medicare coverage will include pneumonia shots.<\/span><\/p>\n

In order to get a covered pneumonia shot, people with Original Medicare must see a participating provider. Those with Medicare Advantage should have no cost-sharing at all as long as they see a provider in their plan\u2019s network and they meet the other Medicare requirements for the shot.<\/span><\/p>\n

The two pneumonia shots covered by Medicare Part B include the pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (Prevnar 13) and the pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine (Pneumovax 23), which are the only approved vaccines in the United States for pneumonia.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

The pneumonia vaccine is not the only vaccination Medicare covers. Medicare Part B and Medicare Part D (prescription drug plans) both cover vaccinations depending on the medical indication of the vaccination.<\/span><\/p>\n

For example, Medicare Part B covers pneumococcal shots, an annual flu vaccine, and the Hepatitis B vaccine; whereas Medicare Part D plans cover the shingles vaccine, the meningitis vaccine, and the Tdap vaccine, which prevents tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis\/whooping cough.<\/span><\/p>\n

RELATED: <\/b>Does Medicare cover flu shots?<\/b><\/a><\/p>\n

Are pneumonia shots free with Medicare?<\/span><\/h2>\n

Medicare pays for pneumonia shots. This immunization is completely free for Medicare Part B beneficiaries if you see a participating provider. However, you may still owe a copayment or coinsurance for your doctor\u2019s visit for any other health services conducted at the time of vaccine administration. Copays vary by insurance plan and whether you\u2019ve met your deductible.<\/span><\/p>\n

While Medicare is accepted nationwide, not all pharmacies and doctors accept Medicare. However, it should be possible to find a provider that takes Original Medicare or Medicare Advantage plans in your area.<\/span><\/p>\n

SingleCare can also help people save on vaccine costs at the pharmacy. SingleCare offers free coupons for both the <\/span>Prevnar 13 vaccination<\/span><\/a> and the <\/span>Pneumovax 23 vaccination<\/span><\/a>. People may choose to use SingleCare coupons instead of Medicare if they:<\/span><\/p>\n