Immunizations

Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services
National Medicare Multi-Media & Education Campaign
Medicare Strives to Help You Stay Healthy – Immunizations
A Healthier US Starts Here

Don’t let the flu interrupt your plans for fun winter activities. If you have Medicare, you should know that it covers many preventive services including flu shots. Nobody wants a fever, chills, headache, dry cough, stuffy nose, sore throat, and muscle aches that come with the flu. One quick flu shot is better than being sick with the flu for a week.

3 Things to Know About the Flu Shot

• You can get it at no cost! If you have Medicare part B, Medicare will pay for a flu shot from a participating Medicare provider and supplier of services once a year during flu season in the fall or winter.
• The flu shot prevents the flu; it does not cause you to get it.
• All adults 65 and older, and people who are under 65 who have chronic illness, including heart disease, lung disease, diabetes or end-stage renal disease should get a flu shot.

Medicare Covers More

If you have Medicare part B, Medicare also covers other immunization shots that prevent other illnesses that can slow you down. For instance, you can get pneumonia (pneumococcal) and hepatitis B shots. These diseases can be life threatening, especially to older people. Most people only need a pneumonia shot once in their lifetime and not everyone needs a hepatitis B shot. Talk with your doctor to find out more about these immunizations, shots and other preventive services covered by Medicare.

Look for a “Healthier US Starts Here” event in your area to learn more about Medicare preventive services. Or, visit www.medicare.gov on the web or call 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227) to get a free copy of “Staying Healthy: Medicare’s Preventive Services.” On the web select “Find a Medicare Publication” under “Search Tools.”

This information prepared by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.