Key Takeaways
- Medicare Part B fully covers your annual flu shot with no out-of-pocket costs when you use approved providers.
- Vaccination against the flu helps prevent serious complications in seniors by 40% to 60%.
- Medicare preventive services like flu shots protect your health and save thousands of dollars in medical costs.
The annual winter flu season can be particularly challenging for vulnerable groups like senior citizens.
The good news is you don’t have to worry about protecting yourself and your loved ones, because Medicare makes getting your annual flu shot both easy and affordable.
This article explains everything you need to know about flu shot coverage for Medicare beneficiaries.
Medicare Coverage for Flu Shots
Medicare Part B covers one seasonal flu shot per flu season at no cost. This coverage includes the vaccine and the medical provider’s time to administer it. When medically necessary, it also covers additional flu shots.
You don’t need to pay a copayment or meet your Part B annual deductible to get your flu shot. It’s entirely as long as your healthcare provider participates in Medicare.
Medicare covers several types of flu vaccines. Your healthcare provider can help you select the most appropriate one for your age and health condition.
The most common options include the standard-dose flu shot and a special high-dose version for seniors 65 and older.
In the 2024-2025 flu season, Medicare beneficiaries can also receive a trivalent flu shot1 that protects against 3 different flu strains.
A common misconception surrounding this topic is that Medicare Advantage plans do not cover flu shots.
In reality, all Medicare Advantage plans must provide at least the same level of coverage for flu shots as Original Medicare.
Some Medicare Advantage plans may also offer additional vaccination options.
Learn More: Which Vaccines Are Covered By Medicare?
Why Seniors Should Get an Annual Flu Shot
Our immune systems weaken as we age, making us more susceptible to severe flu complications. Each year, thousands of older adults are hospitalized across the US from flu-related complications.
Complications from the flu2 can include bacterial pneumonia, ear infections, sinus infections, and worsening of chronic medical conditions.
A flu shot significantly reduces the risk of these complications, which is why senior citizens must make getting one a top priority.
According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), flu shots:
- Reduce your risk of getting the flu3 by 40% to 60% during seasons when the vaccine is well-matched to circulating viruses.
- Decrease the severity of flu symptoms, hospitalizations, and risk of death.
- Protect those around you through community immunity.
Without insurance, the high-dose flu vaccine (recommended for seniors) can cost between $60 to $120 per shot. Since seniors are recommended to get at least one flu shot a year, the costs can add up.
The wider costs of being unvaccinated and catching the flu include expensive hospitalizations, additional medications, and follow-up care.
Learn More: Is Original Medicare A & B Enough to Cover Your Healthcare Costs?
How to Get a Flu Shot with Medicare
Getting your flu shot through Medicare is straightforward. You can receive your vaccination at:
- Your primary care physician’s office.
- Local pharmacies that accept Medicare.
- Healthcare clinics.
- Community health centers.
You can search for pharmacies near you at the Vaccines.gov4 website or contact them directly to learn about vaccine availability and appointment times.
Confirm your provider accepts Medicare assignment before getting your flu shot to avoid unexpected expenses.
Fortunately, most major pharmacy chains and healthcare providers work directly with Medicare to make getting your flu shot safe and simple.
Learn More: Network – Navigating the Healthcare Web of Providers and Facilities.
Additional Preventive Services Covered by Medicare
Your flu shot is just one of many preventive services Medicare covers. Part B provides several other preventive services at no cost to diagnose issues early on and protect your health.
Some of the covered no-cost, preventative & screening services5 Medicare offers include:
| Preventive Service | Frequency |
|---|---|
| Annual Wellness Visit | Yearly. |
| Cardiovascular Disease Screenings | Once every 5 years. |
| Diabetes Screenings | Up to twice yearly, if at risk. |
| Mammograms | Once between ages 35 and 39; yearly from age 40 and above, and whenever medically necessary. |
| Colorectal cancer blood-based biomarker screenings | Once every 3 years. |
| Depression screening | Once per year. |
Other Part B preventative services include vaccinations (COVID-19, Hepatitis B, Pneumococcal shots), cancer screenings (cervical & vaginal, colorectal, lung, prostate), alcohol misuse counseling, diabetes self-management training, and more.
Learn More: Does Medicare Cover Annual Physicals?
Maximizing Your Medicare Preventive Benefits
Staying informed about your Medicare preventive benefits can help you make the most of your coverage and remain in good health.
Here are a few tips for staying informed on Medicare preventive services:
- Sign up for the free Medicare & You handbook6 and email updates to receive the latest information about covered services.
- Create a personal health calendar to track when you’re due for various preventive services.
- Ask your healthcare provider for a preventive care checklist that is tailored to your age and health conditions.
- Keep records of all preventive services you receive, including vaccination dates and screening results.
Regular preventive care leads to significant long-term health savings while helping avoid more serious conditions.
Licensed Medicare advisors at CoverRight can help you understand your benefits and make confident healthcare decisions.
Learn More: What You Need to Know About Medicare Advisors and Consultants.
Protect Your Health with Medicare-Covered Flu Shots
Don’t wait until flu season is in full swing to get your shot! Medicare coverage makes it easy and cost-effective to protect yourself against the flu.
Remember, the flu shot takes about two weeks to provide full protection, so early vaccination gives you the best defense against illnesses and related complications.
Get Personalized Medicare Guidance with CoverRight
Your annual flu shot is just the beginning. Take control of your health by using all Medicare-covered preventive services relevant to you.
If you have questions about Medicare coverage or need help finding a provider, CoverRight is here to help.
Our team will guide you through your Medicare benefits and help you find plans that align best with your unique healthcare needs and budget.
All of this at no cost to you.
Get expert Medicare advice from CoverRight today.
Sources
- Medicare.gov
- Flu Shots Coverage. Available at: medicare.gov. Last Accessed March 1, 2025.
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
- Key Facts About Flu Vaccines. Available at: cdc.gov. Last Accessed March 1, 2025.
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
- Flu Vaccine Information. Available at: cdc.gov. Last Accessed March 1, 2025.
- Vaccines.gov
- Find Flu Vaccines Near You. Available at: vaccines.gov. Last Accessed March 1, 2025.
- Medicare.gov
- Preventive & Screening Services Coverage. Available at: medicare.gov. Last Accessed March 1, 2025.
- Medicare.gov
- Medicare & You Handbook. Available at: medicare.gov. Last Accessed March 1, 2025.
