Netherlands Makes Shingles Vaccine Free for Seniors

2025-05-22 bio

The Hague, Thursday, 22 May 2025.
The Dutch government will offer free shingles vaccinations to individuals aged 60 and above, aiming to improve senior health and reduce healthcare burden by preventing this painful viral infection.

Comprehensive Protection Through Modern Vaccination

The vaccination program will utilize Shingrix, which has demonstrated remarkable efficacy by preventing approximately 90% of shingles cases in adults aged 50 and older [1]. This initiative represents a significant public health investment, following similar successful programs implemented in other regions, such as Nova Scotia’s recent rollout which allocated over $26 million for their vaccination program [2].

Additional Health Benefits Beyond Shingles Prevention

Recent research has revealed substantial additional benefits of shingles vaccination. A comprehensive South Korean study of over 1.2 million people, published on May 9, 2025, demonstrated that the vaccine reduces the risk of cardiovascular disease by 23%, with protection lasting up to eight years post-vaccination [3][4]. The study found particularly notable benefits, including a 26% lower risk of heart failure and a 22% reduced risk of coronary heart disease [5].

Implementation and Eligibility

The Dutch program specifically targets individuals aged 60 and above, incorporating the vaccine into the National Immunization Program [6]. The initiative aims to protect seniors from both the immediate effects of shingles and its potentially severe complications, including postherpetic neuralgia (PHN), which causes long-term pain after the initial infection [7]. Previously, vaccination coverage was limited to specific medical risk groups requiring doctor’s confirmation [8].

Bronnen

shingles vaccination