CPT 90471: Immunization Administration (First Vaccine)
CPT 90471 reports the administration of a single or first vaccine by injection. It bills the immunization service, not the vaccine product. In 2026 Medicare pays about $22.04 non-facility for the commercial-style code, though Medicare itself uses G0008-G0010 for its covered vaccines. Do not use 96372 for vaccines.
- Code type
- Immunization administration (first)
- 2026 Medicare
- ~$22.04 (non-facility, commercial code)
- Reports
- The administration only — vaccine billed separately
- Medicare note
- Part B vaccines use G0008-G0010 admin codes
What is CPT 90471 used for?
CPT 90471 reports the administration of the first or only vaccine given by injection at an encounter. Like 96372 for therapeutic injections, it bills the service of administering the immunization, not the vaccine product itself. The vaccine is a separate line with its own CPT product code (for example 90686 for flu or 90715 for Tdap).
How do 90471 and 90472 work together?
Injectable vaccine administration is billed per vaccine:
- 90471 — first (or only) injectable vaccine.
- 90472 — each additional injectable vaccine (add-on).
Example: a patient receives a flu shot and a Tdap the same day. Bill 90471 once, 90472 once, plus 90686 and 90715 for the two products. Counseling-based pediatric administration uses the separate 90460 series instead.
Does Medicare pay 90471?
For its covered preventive vaccines, Medicare Part B uses its own administration codes — G0008 (influenza), G0009 (pneumococcal), and G0010 (hepatitis B) — rather than 90471. The 90471 non-facility value on the fee schedule is about $22.04 in 2026 for payers that use it. Check the payer-specific allowed amount and your locality figure in the Medicare fee calculator.
How is 90471 different from 96372?
They live in different benefit categories. 90471 administers a vaccine and routes to the preventive benefit; 96372 administers a therapeutic drug and routes to the medical benefit. Using 96372 for a vaccine, or 90471 for a therapeutic injection, produces a benefit-category denial. When both services genuinely happen the same day, bill both with the appropriate distinct-service modifier under Part B rules.
Frequently asked questions
90471 is the administration of the first (or only) injectable vaccine at a visit. 90472 is an add-on for each additional injectable vaccine given the same day. If a patient gets two injectable vaccines, bill 90471 once and 90472 once, plus each vaccine product line.
For its covered preventive vaccines (flu, pneumococcal, hepatitis B), Medicare Part B uses its own administration codes G0008, G0009, and G0010 rather than 90471. Commercial and many other payers use 90471/90472. Match the administration code to the payer's rules.
Only if both a vaccine and a separate therapeutic injection are given. Bill 90471 for the vaccine administration and 96372 for the therapeutic-drug injection, often with modifier 59 on 96372 to show the distinct service. Never substitute one for the other.
Sources & further reading
Reviewed by the ImmediCare Solutions RCM team
Certified billers and coders handling claims across 50+ specialties nationwide. This entry is reviewed against current payer policy and CMS rules. Last review: Jul 5, 2026.
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