Reminder: shingles vaccines are partially reimbursable for some in France
Full cost of vaccines for over 65s are usually topped up through mutuelle insurance
The vaccine is also available for immunocompromised adults as well as for over 65s
Melinda Nagy/Shutterstock
Older residents in France are being reminded that vaccines against shingles are now partially reimbursed by Assurance Maladie.
Combined with private top-up mutuelle, this can completely cover the cost of the vaccine.
Health campaigns to promote the Shingrix vaccine which replaced a less-effective version are now in place.
The Shingrix vaccine is considerably more effective than the Zostavax vaccine it replaced, with the latter no longer given in France.
It is one of several vaccines recommended and partially or fully reimbursed for people subscribed to France’s state health insurer
Who is eligible?
Available in France since Spring 2024, Shingrix vaccinations were added to the vaccine calendar for over 65s in December of that year, when they were also made partially reimbursable.
People subscribed to France’s state health insurance can receive the vaccine at 65% coverage if they are recommended by the Haute Autorité de Santé to receive the jab.
This applies to members of the two following groups:
Any person aged 65 and over, including those who have already experienced one or more episodes of shingles. If they are immunocompromised, vaccination is particularly recommended
For adults aged 18 and over at increased risk of shingles (the Shingrix vaccine is not live so is deemed safe for immunocompromised people)
For breastfeeding women, vaccines can be given on a case-by-case basis depending on doctor’s advice.
Two doses of the vaccine are given, two months apart.
If you have previously received a shingles vaccine of the previous vaccine, Zostavax, or recently suffered from singles, you must wait at least one year for your first dose.
How to get the vaccine
Appointments for a vaccine can be made using online sites such as Doctolib, or ask at your local pharmacy to make an appointment with them.
If you belong to one of the main recommended groups above, you do not need a prescription from your GP to obtain the vaccine.
You can make an appointment for the vaccine with a pharmacist, doctor or midwife (where eligible), after which the information that you have been vaccinated will be updated on your online health space (Mon Espace Santé).
As with other vaccines, you should bring your vaccination card with you (if you have one) so this can be updated.
Each dose of the vaccine costs around €188.37, with totals costing €376.74.
Note this is the threshold for which Assurance Maladie reimburses 65% – if the dose costs more than this, then reimbursement is given at a lower rate.
However, as most vaccines will be given at public health institutions, it is unlikely they will cost more.
The remaining 35% should be reimbursed through your top-up mutuelle insurance if you have such policy.
However, it is always worth checking in advance if your vaccine is covered, as this may not always be the case.
On a similar note, the combined Covid-19 and flu vaccination campaign begins on Tuesday October 14.
