Shingles is a disease linked to the reactivation in the body of the varicella virus. A painful infectious disease occurring mainly in seniors, shingles benefits from a vaccine to prevent it. This is the vaccin Shingrixrecommended for certain populations since March 2024.
But until now, it was only 100% reimbursed at the hospital, within the framework of direct access. Now, since this Tuesday, December 10, it is reimbursed at 65% by Social Securityin a town pharmacy, as stipulated in a decree published in the Official Journal. These are our colleagues from France Info who learned the information from the High Authority of Health (HAS).
This partial reimbursement is, however, reserved for people for whom the vaccine is recommended, namely people aged 65 and over, and people aged 18 and over who are at risk of shingles due to a weakened immune system (immunocompromised people). . The vaccine has until now been available in community pharmacies, but not at all reimbursed. At the price of 188 euros per doseknowing that the vaccination schedule is two doses, this was, in fact, very expensive for the target people.
The vaccination schedule includes two doses of vaccine spaced 2 months apart, a period which can be extended up to 6 months if flexibility in the vaccination schedule is necessary, and reduced to 1 month in the event of a need for rapid immunization, it is specified in a dedicated article, in the Vidal (Source 2). No booster vaccination is required, however, unlike Covid-19 and the flu, recommended for this same population at risk.
Shingles affects every year around 300,000 people, most of whom are over 60 years old. Anyone who has had chickenpox can get shingles. Health authorities believe that the vaccine helps prevent the appearance of shingles in eight out of ten cases.
