Original Medicare (Parts A & B): Flu, COVID-19, Pneumonia, and Hepatitis B Shots

One of the most important prevention strategies for the population at large, but especially the older adult population, is keeping up with immunizations and vaccinations.  While they may not always prevent the illness for which they are administered, they often decrease the severity of the illness, resulting in fewer or milder symptoms, less discomfort and disability, and little to no long-term effects. They also help prevent the spread of the illnesses.

Available vaccines

Flu vaccines. Available once each flu season (in the fall or winter, ideally received by October), with additional flu shots if medically necessary.* People who are 65 and older are at high risk of having serious health complications from the flu. Getting the flu shot protects you from getting the flu and keeps you from spreading it to others.​

• Don't wait to get the flu shot, act early (typically available in September)

• It is safe to get the flu shot with other vaccines

Pneumonia vaccine. Available to people over the age of 65 as a single-dose vaccine or a two-dose series that lasts for life.

COVID-19 vaccine. An initial vaccine with a second vaccine one month later and a bivalent booster two months after the primary series. Then boosters as recommended by a provider.

• For those over 65 who received the updated vaccine (targeting original COVID-19, as well as the two Omicron variants), an additional shot of the updated vaccine is available at least 4 months after the first updated vaccine shot.

• For those who are immunocompromised, an additional shot of the updated vaccine is available at least 2 months after the first updated vaccine shot.

Hepatitis B vaccine. A series of 3 shots (sometimes 4) over 12+ weeks that should last for life, though there are boosters available when warranted. Note that the risk for Hepatitis B increases if one or more of these apply:

• Hemophilia

• End-Stage Renal Disease (ESRD)

• Diabetes

• Living with someone who has Hepatitis B

• Healthcare worker who comes in contact with blood or bodily fluids

Other vaccines. For those who are at risk and meet Medicare Part B coverage rules (talk to a provider), shingles, pertussis, and tetanus shots are also available.

Some vaccines are also covered under the Part D prescription drug benefit.

*Medical necessity for additional flu vaccines comprises those who are highly susceptible to catching the flu or at high risk of disability or death if infected.  Generally, these are administered if there is more than one flu season in the year, if there is an exceedingly high concentration of flu in a given geographic area, or if there appear to be multiple overlapping types of flu occurring in a given geographical area.  The provider will have more information.

About COVID-19

Your loved one's health and safety are the highest priority in the face of the COVID-19 public health emergency. Many people with Medicare or Medicare Advantage are at higher risk for serious COVID-19 illness, so it's important to take the necessary steps to keep them and others safe. Several tests, items, and services related to COVID-19 are covered, including Part B coverage for up to 8 over-the-counter COVID-19 tests per calendar month, though coverage could change when the public health emergency ends.