If your provider recommends that you get a vaccine, in most cases it will be covered by your Part D plan. Part D plans must include most commercially available vaccines on their formularies, including the vaccine for shingles (herpes zoster). The only exceptions are flu, pneumonia, hepatitis B, and COVID-19 vaccinations, which are covered by Part B.

As of January 2023, all Medicare-covered vaccines should be free to you. This means you should not owe any cost-sharing, such as a copayment, coinsurance, or deductible for your covered vaccines.  

To avoid billing issues, it is usually best to make sure that your health care provider or pharmacy administering the vaccine will bill your Part D plan. When you get a vaccine at your doctor’s office, ask the provider to call your Part D plan first to find out if your provider can bill your Part D plan directly.