Does Medicare cover the cost of the shingles vaccine?

The shingles vaccine is not covered by Medicare Part A or Part B, according to Medicare. Medicare prescription drug plans, known as Medicare Part D, typically cover all commercially available vaccines needed to prevent illness, such as the shingles vaccine.

Medicare Part D is offered to all individuals with Medicare, but if a person does not join when first eligible, he may have to pay a late enrollment penalty, according to Medicare. Medicare Part D can be added on its own, or an individual can receive drug coverage by joining a Medicare Advantage Plan, which is referred to as Part C. An individual must have Medicare Part A and Part B to join a Medicare Advantage Plan.