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Many Medicare beneficiaries may not be aware that their coverage includes a variety of vaccines at no out-of-pocket cost. In fact, all adult vaccines recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) through its Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices are fully covered. This means no copayments or deductibles will be applied for critical vaccinations such as those for shingles, whooping cough, and tetanus.
This coverage list is refreshed annually, so it’s important to note that availability can change year to year. If you’re planning to travel abroad, consulting the CDC’s recommended vaccinations for your destination is advisable. The CDC also emphasizes that being current on routine vaccinations is crucial. This is particularly relevant considering that most measles cases in the U.S. originate from unvaccinated individuals who contract the virus while abroad. You can check which countries are currently experiencing measles outbreaks.
Routine Vaccinations Available Without Any Out-of-Pocket Costs
Vaccine
Covered Dosage
Age Covered – 65 and Over
COVID-19
2 or more doses of 2024-2025 vaccine
Influenza
1 dose annually
Tetanus, Diphtheria, Pertussis (Tdap or Td)
1 dose Tdap, then Td or Tdap every 10 years thereafter.
Measles, Mumps, Rubella (MMR)
1 dose for adults without evidence of immunity.
Chickenpox – Varicella (VAR)
2 doses for adults without documented immunity.
Shingles – Zoster Recombinant (RZV)
2 doses
Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV)
Unvaccinated: 1 dose. Previously vaccinated: Additional doses not recommended.
Covered Vaccines That Are Given When Necessary
There are instances where certain vaccines are recommended based on specific risk factors, such as underlying health conditions, increased exposure risks, or travel to areas with a noted risk of exposure to certain diseases.
Pneumococcal (PCV15, PCV20, PCV21, PPSV23)
Administered as determined by your healthcare provider based on your vaccination history.
Hepatitis A (HepA)
2, 3, or 4 doses depending on the type of vaccine.
Note: Recommended for adults with additional risk factors.
Hepatitis B (HepB)
2, 3, or 4 doses depending on the type of vaccine or specific health conditions.
Notes:
Recommended for adults who are of eligible age or lack prior vaccination documentation.
Meningococcal A, C, W, Y (MenACWY)
1 or 2 doses as indicated.
Notes: Recommended based on specific health risks.
Meningococcal B (MenB)
2 or 3 doses based on the vaccine and indicated health factors.
Haemophilus Influenzae Type B (Hib)
1 or 3 doses depending on the specific indication.
Mpox
2 doses for individuals at additional risk.
Polio – Inactivated Poliovirus (IPV)
Complete the 3-dose series if initially vaccinated incompletely. Most adults are likely already vaccinated from childhood, but those traveling to regions with documented poliovirus exposure should consult their healthcare provider regarding booster shots.
Conclusion
Both Original Medicare and Medicare Advantage participants benefit from routine vaccinations at no extra cost. For those intending to travel, it is important to verify coverage for any vaccines that may be specific to their destination.
Individuals with a chronic illness, disability, or a weakened immune system should also consider purchasing travel insurance, as Medicare typically does not provide extensive coverage outside the U.S. The term “outside the U.S.” as defined by Medicare excludes all locations beyond the 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, Guam, American Samoa, and the Northern Mariana Islands.
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