Does Medicare Cover Flu Shots?

About

Medicare 101

Current Clients

Does Medicare Cover Flu Shots?

Senior woman smiling after vaccination stock photo

By Daniel Petkevich

Dec 9, 2022

Medicare makes it easy to get your annual flu shot

Flu shots can be an important part of your yearly health regimen. Most insurances cover the flu shot, so you won't have to pay, and Medicare is no exception. Even though Medicare typically doesn't cover some preventative treatments, you will have Medicare coverage for the annual flu shot through Part B.

Stay Up to Date on Medicare!

How much will the flu shot cost me?

As long as your doctor or qualified healthcare provider accepts assignment to be paid directly by

Medicare

for the flu shot, you won't have to pay anything. No copayment, coinsurance, or deductible is necessary.

What are the benefits of getting a flu shot?

The flu shot is a safe and effective way to protect against the flu. By getting vaccinated each year, you will reduce your risk of catching the virus, as well as help prevent the spreading of the virus to other people. Getting a flu shot can also reduce the severity of symptoms if you do get sick and may even prevent hospitalizations from severe cases of the flu.

When should I get my flu shot?

It is best to get your flu shot as early in the season as possible, typically around October or November each year. This will give you the most coverage throughout the winter months when the virus is more likely to spread. However, it's not too late to get the flu shot anytime during the flu season, which is typically from October to May.

Medicare typically covers one flu shot every flu season. This usually means yearly as most people get them around the same time each year. But if your doctor recommends that you get multiple in a year (let's imagine you got one year in April, and wanted to get another the following November), you can get coverage with your doctor's approval.

Where can I get a flu shot?

Your doctor's office or local pharmacy are usually the best places to get your flu shot. In some cases, you may be able to receive it at community health centers, senior centers, or worksites that offer onsite clinics. Make sure to check with the provider for eligibility and coverage requirements.

Do I need a doctor's prescription for my flu shot?

No, you do not need a doctor's prescription to get your flu shot. Depending on where you go to receive it, however, some providers may require that you provide written authorization from your doctor beforehand.

What should I do if I get sick after getting a flu shot?

If you start to experience flu-like symptoms after receiving your flu shot, contact your doctor. It is possible that you may have been exposed to the virus prior to getting vaccinated, and there are other types of viruses that cause similar symptoms as well. Your doctor will be able to diagnose the cause of your illness and provide the appropriate treatment. Sometimes it could just be the flu shot working through your system but check with your doctor to be sure.

Takeaway

The flu shot is one of the best defenses against getting and spreading influenza, and Medicare covers it so you won't have to pay. Make sure to get your flu shot each year as early in the season as possible and talk to your doctor if you experience any symptoms after receiving it. Keep yourself protected! For any Medicare-related questions, contact Fair Square Medicare today.

Stay Up to Date on Medicare!

Your Medicare One-Stop-Shop

Your guide to Medicare Parts A & B, Medicare Advantage, and Medigap. 100% free.

Get the Fair Square Bulletin

Medicare savings tips, helpful guides, and more.

888-572-6033

info@fairsquaremedicare.com

About

Medicare 101

Current Clients

Medicare Supplement Plans

Medicare Advantage Plans

Fair Square 2025

•

Notice of Privacy Practices

Virgil Insurance Agency, LLC (DBA Fair Square Medicare) and www.fairsquaremedicare.com are privately owned and operated by Help Button Inc. Medicare supplement insurance plans are not connected with or endorsed by the U.S. government or the federal Medicare program. This is a solicitation of insurance. A licensed agent/producer may contact you. Medicare Supplement insurance is available to those age 65 and older enrolled in Medicare Parts A and B and, in some states, to those under age 65 eligible for Medicare due to disability or End-Stage Renal disease. Virgil Insurance Agency is a licensed and certified representative of Medicare Advantage HMO, HMO SNP, PPO, PPO SNP and PFFS organizations and stand-alone PDP prescription drug plans. Each of the organizations we represent has a Medicare contract. Enrollment in any plan depends on contract renewal. The plans we represent do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, disability, or sex. Plan availability varies by region and state. For a complete list of available plans please contact 1-800-MEDICARE (TTY users should call 1-877-486-2048), 24 hours a day/7 days a week or consult www.medicare.gov. © 2025 Help Button Inc

We do not offer every plan available in your area. Any information we provide is limited to those plans we do offer in your area. Please contact Medicare.gov or 1-800-MEDICARE to get information on all of your options.

MULTIPLAN_FairSquareMedicare_01062022_M

Does Medicare Cover Flu Shots?

Medicare makes it easy to get your annual flu shot

Stay Up to Date on Medicare!

How much will the flu shot cost me?

What are the benefits of getting a flu shot?

When should I get my flu shot?

Where can I get a flu shot?

Do I need a doctor's prescription for my flu shot?

What should I do if I get sick after getting a flu shot?

Takeaway

Stay Up to Date on Medicare!

Recommended Articles

More of our articles

Your Medicare One-Stop-Shop

About

Medicare 101

Current Clients

Medicare Supplement Plans

Medicare Advantage Plans