Free shingles jab for over-60s on the way
The start date is not yet known; the ministry is aiming for introduction during 2027.
People aged 60 in the Netherlands will be offered free vaccination against shingles. The Ministry of Health, Welfare and Sport has taken the decision, but the precise start date and implementation have not yet been finalised.
The National Institute for Public Health and the Environment (RIVM) writes that the Ministry of Health, Welfare and Sport decided in early 2026 to offer free vaccination to people aged 60. According to current RIVM information, the aim is to start the programme during 2027.
The introduction will not take place in a single step for all age groups. According to RIVM, additional funding was set aside on Budget Day for the period from 2028 to 2031. This could also allow other age groups to be vaccinated. That expansion still has to be discussed by the Lower House (Tweede Kamer) and is therefore not definite.
The vaccine used in the Netherlands is Shingrix. Protection consists of two injections, given two to six months apart. According to RIVM, vaccination prevents about nine in ten cases of shingles in adults aged 50 and over. The institute also says that long-term nerve pain after shingles is largely prevented.
Protection does not immediately reach its final form after a single injection. RIVM reports that efficacy remains above 80 per cent six to ten years after vaccination. Common side effects include pain at the injection site, muscle pain, fatigue and headache. Serious side effects are rare, according to the institute.
A reimbursement scheme already exists for some medical risk groups. These include people who have had or are due to have a stem-cell or organ transplant, certain people with cancer, people with HIV and people who use specific immunosuppressive medicines. For others, vaccination will remain at their own expense until the new scheme takes effect.
The policy decision is therefore not only about medical efficacy, but also about planning and prioritisation. The government must determine how invitations, registration, vaccination capacity and any expansion to other age groups will be organised. For individual health decisions, RIVM refers people to a GP or treating doctor.
One story, several perspectives
What is established
- VWS has decided to offer free vaccination from the age of 60.
- The start date is not yet known, and expansion to other age groups is not yet definite.
- The vaccine consists of two doses and, according to RIVM, provides strong protection against shingles.
Left
Arguments Free vaccination should be broadly accessible and should not depend on income or the ability to pay for an injection oneself. Expansion to more age groups is a logical step if it reduces health inequalities.
Values Equal access, prevention and solidarity.
Consequences A broad scheme requires more public funds, but could limit healthcare use and long-term pain among vulnerable groups.
Centre
Arguments Start with the age group for which the health benefits and feasibility are clearest, and evaluate afterwards. Decisions should reflect RIVM advice, available capacity and budgetary room.
Values Efficiency, evidence and gradual implementation.
Consequences A phased programme is manageable, but means that some groups will have to wait longer.
Right
Arguments The government should be cautious about new collective programmes and clearly demonstrate that the benefits outweigh the costs. People who want to be vaccinated themselves can also take responsibility for doing so.
Values Personal responsibility, affordability and limited government spending.
Consequences A narrower scheme keeps costs lower, but could lead to differences in protection between people on different incomes.
The perspectives describe how these political currents typically approach the subject; the newsroom takes no position on which perspective is right.
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The policy status, timing and basic medical information come directly from RIVM and the Dutch government. The text makes clear which elements are not yet final and provides no individual medical advice.
- confirmed The ministry wants to offer free shingles vaccination to people aged 60. — RIVM reports VWS’s decision from early 2026. source
- confirmed The intended start is during 2027. — This is stated on the current RIVM page; the exact date is unknown according to the same source. source
- confirmed The vaccine consists of two injections given two to six months apart. — RIVM describes the schedule for Shingrix. source
- confirmed Vaccination prevents about nine in ten cases of shingles among adults aged 50 and over. — RIVM gives this percentage as rounded efficacy information. source
- confirmed Additional funding for 2028 to 2031 could make expansion to other age groups possible. — RIVM reports the reservation and emphasises that the plans are not yet final. source