Shingles vaccination cost: what do you pay and is it reimbursed?
Maybe your GP has mentioned it, or you've read something about it. Shingles: a condition more common than many people think, especially over the age of 50. And although the vaccine is not covered by basic insurance, it is well worth it for many people. In this blog, we explain what the shingles vaccination costs, what your health insurance might cover and how to easily make an appointment.
What does the shingles vaccination cost?
The shingles vaccination consists of two doses given at intervals of two to six months. One dose is not enough for optimal protection. Both shots together give up to 90% protection against shingles.
At Vaccination Point, you pay €229.50 per dose, which amounts to €459.00 for the full vaccination course. In addition to vaccines, consultation fees are also charged. A full overview of all fees can be found on our rates page.
💡 Tip: schedule both appointments immediately when making your first appointment. Then you won't have to think about it later.
Is the shingles vaccination covered by health insurance?
This is the question on most people's minds. The honest answer: it depends on your insurance.
Basic insurance
The shingles vaccination falls not within the basic health insurance package and is therefore not automatically reimbursed. The National Vaccination Programme does not (yet) cover shingles.
Supplementary insurance
Here's the good news. Many health insurers reimburse (part of) the cost of shingles vaccination through the supplementary insurance. The amount of reimbursement varies between insurers and packages. So it is worth checking before making an appointment. Check our fees page for an overview of which health insurers contribute and how much.
For whom are the costs most worthwhile?
The shingles vaccination is recommended for anyone of 50 years and over, especially for high-risk people. The older you are, the higher the risk of getting shingles as well as serious complications such as long-term nerve pain (postherpetic neuralgia).
The vaccination is especially wise if you are 50 years old or older, have a slightly lowered immunity due to e.g. medication use, have had shingles before and want to prevent a recurrence, have undergone or are scheduled for a stem cell or organ transplant, or are living with HIV.
Read more about who is eligible for vaccination on our shingles vaccination page.
How do you make an appointment at Vaccination Point?
Making an appointment is quick, arranged within one minute. Vaccination Point has more than 90 locations in the Netherlands, including branches in Amsterdam, Rotterdam, Utrecht, Haarlem, Eindhoven and Amstelveen.
Follow these steps:
- Go to make an appointment and select Travel vaccination
- Choose a location, date and time and fill in your details
- Fill in the health declaration
- Note by destination: 1 day Netherlands
- Indicate in comments that it is a shingles vaccination goes
You can also visit outside office hours. Vaccination point is also evenings and weekends available. View all locations of Vaccination Point.
Frequently asked questions about the cost of shingles vaccination
What does the shingles vaccination cost at Vaccination Point?
One dose costs €229.50. As the vaccination course consists of two doses, you come to €459.00 for full protection. Added to this are consultation fees. View the most up-to-date rates on the rates page.
Will my health insurance cover the shingles vaccination?
The basic health insurance does not reimburse shingles vaccination. Through supplementary insurance, reimbursement is possible with several health insurers. Check your own policy or see our overview of fees.
Do I need a referral letter from the GP?
No. At Vaccination Point, you can go for the shingles vaccination without a referral letter. You simply make your own appointment online via make an appointment.
Can I get both doses from the same location?
Yes, that is recommended. You can immediately book the second one at the same location when you schedule your first appointment.
