Quick answer
Yes. ACA-compliant plans must cover vaccines recommended by the CDC’s advisory committee at no cost when you get them from an in-network provider, including routine childhood shots, flu shots, and adult vaccines like shingles and HPV. Federal recommendations changed several times in 2025, but health insurers pledged to keep covering every vaccine recommended as of September 1, 2025, with no cost-sharing, through the end of 2026.
Key takeaways
- Recommended vaccines are free on ACA plans when you use an in-network provider or pharmacy.
- Vaccines recommended for “individual decision-making” are still covered at no cost.
- Medicare covers flu, COVID and pneumonia shots under Part B, and other recommended adult vaccines, like shingles, under Part D at no cost.
- Medicaid covers recommended vaccines, and the Vaccines for Children program covers kids who are uninsured or on Medicaid.
- Travel vaccines usually aren’t covered unless they’re also routinely recommended.
On this page
Vaccines ACA plans cover
ACA plans cover vaccines on the CDC’s recommended schedules for children and adults, such as:
- Childhood vaccines like measles, mumps and rubella (MMR), polio, whooping cough (pertussis), chickenpox and hepatitis B
- Flu and COVID vaccines
- HPV, meningococcal and tetanus boosters
- Shingles and pneumococcal vaccines for older adults
- RSV vaccines for people who qualify
Your child’s shots are covered as part of well-child care; see health insurance for children.
What changed in 2025
Between April and December 2025, federal vaccine recommendations changed several times. For example, COVID vaccines and the hepatitis B birth dose for some infants moved to “individual decision-making,” which is still covered at no cost under ACA rules. The insurance industry’s trade group said its members would keep covering all vaccines recommended as of September 1, 2025, at no cost, through the end of 2026. Some states have added their own coverage requirements, though those don’t apply to self-funded employer plans. Check with your plan about 2027.
Medicare and Medicaid
- Medicare Part B covers flu, COVID-19 and pneumococcal vaccines, and hepatitis B for people at higher risk. See health insurance for the elderly and who is eligible for Medicare.
- Medicare Part D covers other recommended adult vaccines, like shingles and Tdap, at no cost.
- Medicaid covers recommended vaccines for adults and children at no cost.
Vaccines also protect people who can’t be vaccinated or have weak immune systems, like many cancer patients.
How to avoid a bill
- Get vaccinated at an in-network doctor or pharmacy. Out-of-network providers may charge you; see what to do about out-of-network costs.
- Ask whether an office visit fee applies if you get a vaccine during a sick visit; the vaccine itself should be free, but a copay may apply to the visit.
- Vaccines should be covered before you meet your deductible. If you have two plans, see how deductibles work with two health insurance plans.
If you don’t have insurance
Children who are uninsured or on Medicaid can get free vaccines through the Vaccines for Children program at participating providers. Health departments and community health centers often offer low-cost vaccines for adults. Paying yourself for an occasional shot may be manageable, but coverage protects you from bigger costs; see what if you can afford your medical bills out of pocket.
When you choose a plan, all ACA plans cover recommended vaccines, so compare plan levels, plan types and insurers on other features. Plans bought outside the exchanges follow the same rules. See comparing health insurance.
Need a plan for your family? Compare quotes by ZIP code.
Frequently asked questions
Are vaccines free with insurance?
Recommended vaccines are free on ACA plans when you use an in-network provider.
Is the COVID vaccine still covered?
Yes. It moved to individual decision-making in 2025, which ACA plans still cover at no cost, and insurers pledged coverage through 2026.
Does insurance cover travel vaccines?
Usually not, unless the vaccine is also on the routine schedule. Some plans cover travel vaccines; check yours.
Sources
This article is general information, not medical advice. Talk with your doctor about which vaccines are right for you. Last reviewed September 2026.