Medicare Part D vaccines: Shingles and other no-cost shots

As you get older, illnesses and infections like pneumonia, flu and shingles take their toll on your immune system. That’s one reason why it’s so important to stay on top of the vaccinations recommended by the CDC’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP). Staying  up to date with your vaccinations can also help you protect your loved ones, especially if they are vulnerable to infection or can’t get vaccinated themselves. If you’re hesitant to get these vaccinations because of cost and you have Medicare, you can take advantage of new legislation that went into effect earlier this year. 

On January 1, 2023, the Inflation Reduction Act was put into effect to offer financial relief for people with Medicare. If you have Medicare prescription drug coverage, also known as Medicare Part D, you will start to see savings as early as this year.

The Inflation Reduction Act is focused on:

• Expanding benefits
• Lowering prescription drug costs
• Improving the Medicare program now and in the long run

Additionally, this means your Medicare plans will offer more coverage, accessibility and affordability — at no cost to you.

Below are the latest updates for vaccinations covered by Medicare Part B or Medicare Part D.

Vaccinations available at no cost for Medicare Part B members:

• Flu
• Pneumonia
• COVID-19
• Hepatitis B (for qualifying Part B members)

Vaccinations available at no cost for Medicare Part D members:

• Shingles
• Tetanus (lockjaw), diphtheria and pertussis (whooping cough)
• Meningitis and hepatitis A (may be available at no cost for Medicare Part D members who meet certain criteria)

Review the CDC adult immunization schedule for recommended vaccinations relative to your age group to learn more.

Shingles, flu, pneumonia, whooping cough and COVID-19 vaccinations are critical to maintain or improve your health. If you are 65 years or older, you’re at the greatest risk for serious complications, especially if you’re living with:

• Diabetes
• Asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
• Liver or kidney disease
• Heart disease
• A weakened immune system due to cancer, chemotherapy or HIV-related conditions

If you’re concerned about catching the flu, getting a flu vaccine is the single best proactive step you can take to lower your risk of developing flu complications.

For the 2023 season, the CDC strongly recommends seniors get higher-dose flu vaccines, based on recent studies. These studies reveal higher-dose vaccines are potentially more effective than the standard vaccines used for this age group.

Adults age 65 and older should strongly consider getting the pneumococcal vaccination because they are the greatest at-risk population for serious illness and death.

According to the CDC, in addition to the more common symptoms, older adults may experience confusion or low alertness and complications, which can include:

• Infections in the lungs or chest cavity
• Inflammation of the outer lining of the heart
• Blockage of the airway that allows air into the lungs
• Abscess in the lungs

There are two kinds of vaccines available in the U.S.

• Pneumococcal conjugate vaccines (PCV13, PCV15 and PCV20)
• Pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine (PPSV23)

People age 65 and older are at high risk of getting severe illness from COVID-19. This means even if you take care of yourself and are healthy, you’re still at risk of getting really sick and maybe ending up in the hospital or needing a machine to help you breathe.

If you haven’t received your updated COVID-19 booster yet, now is the time. According to the CDC, boosters include protection against the original virus and multiple omicron variants.

Shingles is a viral infection that causes a painful rash. Studies show that the shingles vaccination, Shingrix, is a safe, effective two-dose series for your body to fend off shingles and prevent future infections, as well as prevent long-term, severe nerve pain known as postherpetic neuralgia, or PHN.

The CDC recommends that adults age 50 and older get two doses of Shingrix, separated by two to six months. If you have a weakened immune system, you can get the second dose one to two months after the first.

Although there is no maximum age for getting Shingrix, the CDC recommends getting the vaccine even if in the past you:

• Previously had shingles
• Received Zostavax (a vaccine that’s no longer available for use in the U.S.)
• Received varicella (chickenpox) vaccine

Caused by bacteria, all three of these diseases can lead to serious illness and death. To prevent tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis, the CDC recommends older adults get a Tdap (for all three) or Td (tetanus, diphtheria) booster shot every 10 years.

Meningitis: This inflammation of the protective covering around the brain and spinal cord can be caused by both bacteria and viruses — and it can be deadly. The CDC recommends that adults who meet certain criteria get vaccinated.

Hepatitis A and B: Hepatitis is an inflammation of the liver that can be caused by one of several viruses. The good news is, there are effective vaccines available for hepatitis A and B. The CDC recommends that older adults with risk factors for hepatitis A or B infection get vaccinated.

If you’re ready to take preventive measures to protect your health and your community, you can conveniently schedule many of your recommended vaccinations at Walgreens.com/ScheduleVaccine. Vaccines subject to availability. State-, age- and health-related restrictions may apply. 

Remember, talk to your healthcare provider or pharmacist to learn which vaccinations are recommended for your unique situation.

Published February 2023.