Pneumococcal Vaccines

Preventive Care

Pneumococcal vaccination helps prevent serious infections like pneumonia.

Ask which schedule fits your age and health risks.
If you have chronic conditions, confirm timing and follow-up doses.

A nurse, who is female, is getting a syringe ready with a vaccine.

Medicare Coverage

Medicare Part B covers pneumococcal shots.

You typically pay nothing if your provider accepts assignment.

Key takeaways

Key older-adult prevention tool.
Usually Part B.
Confirm which schedule applies to you.

Good to Know

Part B vs Part D Vaccine Coverage

Medicare vaccine coverage can fall under Part B or Part D, depending on the vaccine and the situation. In general, Part B covers certain preventive vaccines and vaccines tied to specific medical situations, while Part D (your drug plan, including many Medicare Advantage plans with drug coverage) covers most other adult vaccines. Where you get the vaccine (doctor’s office vs pharmacy) can also affect how it’s billed and what you pay.

Provider Accepts Assignment

In Original Medicare, “accepts assignment” means a provider agrees to Medicare’s approved amount as full payment (with you paying any required deductible/coinsurance). For many preventive services, using a provider who accepts assignment can help keep your costs lower and more predictable.

Eligibility Rules

Many preventive services are covered only if you meet Medicare’s eligibility rules. These rules can include your age, risk factors, medical history, lab results, diagnoses, or timing (for example, being “at risk” for a screening).