Pneumococcal shots

Medicare Part B (Medical Insurance)

covers pneumococcal shots (or vaccines). Part B now covers a single dose vaccine in addition to a 2-dose series.

Your costs in Original Medicare

You pay nothing for pneumococcal shots if your doctor or other qualified health care provider accepts

assignment

for giving the shots.

Note:

Your doctor or other health care provider may recommend you get services more often than Medicare covers. Or, they may recommend services that Medicare doesn’t cover. If this happens, you may have to pay some or all of the costs. Ask questions so you understand why your doctor is recommending certain services and if, or how much, Medicare will pay for them.

What it is

The 2 shots help prevent pneumococcal infections (like certain types of pneumonia).

Things to know

Talk with your doctor or other health care provider to find out which vaccine you should get.