Pneumococcal shots
Medicare Coverage Information
Overview
Medicare covers pneumococcal shots to help prevent pneumococcal disease, which can cause serious infections like pneumonia. Most beneficiaries can receive these vaccines at no cost under Medicare Part B as a preventive service.
- Medicare covers two different pneumococcal vaccines
- Shots are typically free with no copayment or deductible
- Recommended for adults 65 and older to prevent serious infections
- No referral required from primary care physician
- Can be administered at doctor's office, clinic, or pharmacy
- Medicare Part B beneficiaries
- Adults 65 and older
- Younger beneficiaries with certain chronic health conditions
- 100% covered by Medicare Part B with no out-of-pocket costs
- No copayment or coinsurance for recommended pneumococcal vaccines
- No deductible applies to these preventive shots
- Must be administered by Medicare-approved healthcare provider
- Recommended schedule is one shot at age 65 and a different booster shot later
- Coverage limited to medically necessary vaccinations
- Consult with your healthcare provider about recommended pneumococcal vaccines
- Verify vaccination status during next medical appointment
- Call 1-800-MEDICARE for specific coverage questions
Last updated: 6/15/2025
Quick Information
- Provider
- Medicare
- Last Updated
- 6/15/2025
- Topics
- Medicare pneumococcal shotspneumococcal vaccine coverageMedicare preventive carepneumonia vaccinesenior vaccination
Related Coverage Topics
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