The Ombudsman advocates free shingles and HPV vaccinations. Herpes zoster, also known as shingles, is a painful disease that can even cause blindness. Vaccination is also recommended for people over 50 years of age in the Ministry of Health’s vaccination plan. She has to pay for it herself – the two necessary cans cost around 500 euros. Prevention should not depend on income, demanded Ombudsman Bernhard Achitz.
“People keep coming to the Ombudsman’s office who can’t afford it,” said Achitz. “Recommended vaccinations should be free. For the health system, the vaccination costs would probably be cheaper than the avoidable treatment costs.” It is encouraging that the Ministry of Health has now announced that the range of vaccinations will be gradually expanded, but details are not yet known.
According to Achitz, the need for action is certainly high: HPV vaccination rates are also low, but people aged 21 and over have to pay for the expensive vaccination themselves. The free vaccination is available to young people up to their 21st birthday. Here too, the vaccination plan recommends vaccination up to the age of 30. From the age of 21, three doses of the HPV vaccination are necessary for protection – one costs more than 200 euros, so you have to pay almost 650 euros for all three.
