For the first time, people with Medicare Part D prescription drug coverage do not have to pay a deductible, and will not be responsible for any cost-sharing for ACIP-recommended vaccines, including shingles, Tdap, and travel vaccines. The Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) is a group of medical and public health experts that develop recommendations on how to use vaccines.

This new Medicare benefit applies to those aged 65 and older. Medicare Part D now covers all vaccines ‘commercially available, reasonable, and necessary’ to prevent illness and are not covered by Medicare Part B which already covers influenza and pneumococcal vaccines free. The hope is that the free Medicare Part D vaccine benefit can boost vaccination percentages among the elderly nationwide.

And expanding it to include paying for travel vaccines might ensure older adults are protected when traveling or going on a cruise – trips sometimes plagued by the spread of viral illnesses due to the close quarters aboard ships. Elderly travelers are particularly vulnerable.

Connecticut’s state Dept. of Public Health issued an announcement February 10 to encourage those with Medicare Part D to get vaccines if they have not already done so. Check with your medical provider to ensure your vaccinations are up to date, or you can also check on your latest COVID-19 vaccine record, as well as flu vaccinations online. Parents or guardians may also check on their children’s vaccinations on Connecticut’s vaccination portal located on the Dept. of Public Health website, ct.gov/getmyvaccinerecord. There is also a phone line – 860-509-7929 to call if questions.