Short answer: Medicare Part B covers pneumococcal vaccines. You pay nothing for a covered vaccine when the doctor, pharmacy, or other health care provider accepts assignment for administering it.
Original Medicare coverage
Pneumococcal vaccines help protect against strains of bacteria that can cause pneumonia and other serious infections. Part B covers the vaccine as a preventive service. Medicare.gov advises patients to discuss with a doctor or other health care provider which pneumococcal vaccines are appropriate.
The number and timing of doses can depend on age, prior vaccination, medical history, and current public-health recommendations. The vaccine must be furnished by a provider or pharmacy able to bill Medicare.
Eligibility and limits
A person with Medicare Part B can receive covered pneumococcal vaccination under the preventive benefit. This page does not recommend a specific vaccine or schedule. A health care professional should review previous vaccine records and determine what is currently indicated. An unnecessary repeat dose may not be covered.
Costs
There is no Part B deductible, copayment, or coinsurance for a covered pneumococcal vaccine when the provider accepts assignment. A separate office visit may have cost sharing if the appointment includes other evaluation or treatment. Confirm that the pharmacy or office can bill Medicare before vaccination.
Medicare Advantage
Medicare Advantage plans cover the Part B pneumococcal vaccine without cost sharing when coverage requirements are met. A plan may direct members to network pharmacies or medical providers for routine vaccines. Follow the plan’s current instructions.
What to do next
- Locate your prior pneumococcal vaccine record if available.
- Ask a health care professional which vaccine and timing apply to you.
- Confirm that the pharmacy or provider accepts assignment or is in the plan network.
- Keep the updated vaccination record for future reference.
Coverage is determined from the claim, the patient’s eligibility, provider status, and applicable Medicare rules. A provider’s recommendation does not guarantee payment. Before a planned service, ask the provider what will be billed and ask Medicare or the plan whether any coverage review is required.
Sources
Last reviewed: August 2026. Medicare rules and plan benefits can change.