Which part of Medicare pays
Vaccines are split between two parts of Medicare:
| Part B covers | Part D covers |
|---|---|
| Flu shots, pneumococcal (pneumonia) shots, COVID-19 vaccines and, for some people, hepatitis B shots | The shingles vaccine and other adult vaccines recommended by the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) that Part B doesn't cover, such as RSV and whooping cough vaccines |
Under the Inflation Reduction Act, Part D plans have charged no deductible and no copayment for ACIP-recommended adult vaccines since January 1, 2023. Before that, people often paid part of the cost at the pharmacy.
How to get the shingles shot in Oregon
- Check that the vaccine is right for you. The CDC recommends the shingles vaccine, given in two doses, for adults 50 and older and for some younger adults with weakened immune systems. Your doctor or pharmacist can tell you about timing between doses.
- Go to a pharmacy in your plan's network. Most Oregon pharmacies give vaccines and bill Part D directly. Bring your Part D or Medicare Advantage card, not just your red, white and blue Medicare card.
- Get the second dose. Mark the date for your second dose. It is covered the same way.
- Check your receipt. You shouldn't be charged. If you are, ask the pharmacy to rebill your Part D plan, or call the plan.
If you don't have drug coverage
People with only Part A and Part B, and some people with employer or retiree coverage, should check how their drug coverage handles vaccines. If you are choosing coverage for 2027 now, Open Enrollment runs October 15 to December 7, 2026. To compare Part D plans from the companies they work with, you can request a call from a licensed insurance agent. If your income is limited, Extra Help can lower your Part D costs.
Related questions
Does Medicare cover flu shots in Oregon?
Part B vaccines.
Does Medicare cover annual physicals in Oregon?
Your yearly Wellness visit.
Does Medicare cover prostate cancer screening in Oregon?
Another no-cost preventive service.
Sources
- Medicare.gov — Shingles shot
- Medicare.gov — Prescription drugs (outpatient), including Part B vaccines
- CDC — Shingles vaccination
More questions in this guide
- Does Medicare cover acupuncture in Oregon?
- Does Medicare cover ambulance service in Oregon?
- Does Medicare cover annual physicals in Oregon?
- Does Medicare cover assisted living in Oregon?
- Does Medicare cover bone density tests in Oregon?
- Does Medicare cover cataract surgery in Oregon?
- Does Medicare cover chiropractic care in Oregon?
- Does Medicare cover a colonoscopy in Oregon?
- Does Medicare cover CPAP machines in Oregon?
- Does Medicare cover dental care in Oregon?
- Does Medicare cover diabetic supplies in Oregon?
- Does Medicare cover flu shots in Oregon?
- Does Medicare cover hearing aids in Oregon?
- Does Medicare cover home health care in Oregon?
- Does Medicare pay for in-home caregivers in Oregon?
- Does Medicare cover mammograms in Oregon?
- Does Medicare cover me when I travel or spend winters outside Oregon?
- Does Medicare cover medical marijuana in Oregon?
- Does Medicare cover memory care in Oregon?
- Does Medicare cover mental health care in Oregon?
- Does Medicare cover naturopathic doctors in Oregon?
- Does Medicare cover nursing home care in Oregon?
- Does Medicare cover oxygen therapy in Oregon?
- Does Medicare cover physical therapy in Oregon?
- Does Medicare cover prostate cancer screening in Oregon?
- Does Medicare cover psilocybin therapy in Oregon?
- Does Medicare cover skilled nursing care in Oregon?
- Does Medicare cover transportation to medical appointments in Oregon?
- Does Medicare cover vision care in Oregon?
- Does Medicare cover wheelchairs in Oregon?
Part of the guide: Learn Medicare — the Oregon starter guide · All questions
Frequently asked questions
Can my doctor's office give me the shingles shot?
Yes, but the office has to be able to bill your Part D plan. If it can't, you may have to pay up front and ask your plan to pay you back. Call the office and your plan first, or get the shot at an in-network pharmacy.
What if I don't have Part D?
Then Medicare doesn't pay for the shingles vaccine. You can join a Part D plan or a Medicare Advantage plan with drug coverage during Open Enrollment, October 15 to December 7, for coverage starting January 1.
I had the old shingles vaccine years ago. Is the newer one covered?
Ask your doctor whether you should get the current vaccine. If it is recommended for you, your Part D plan covers it the same way, with no cost to you.
Medicare in your Oregon county
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