Warsaw to spend PLN 9 million on shingles vaccinations

According to the city's press service, the adoption of the resolution is the first step towards launching free vaccinations, which will be preceded by announcing a competition for medical entities ready to implement the city program. The vaccinations themselves are planned to begin in 2025.

In the interests of the health of Warsaw residents, we are launching a completely new health policy program, i.e. free vaccinations against shingles. The risk of infection with this disease increases with the age of patients and primarily affects the elderly - informed Renata Kaznowska, Deputy Mayor of Warsaw.

The city plans for the program to be used by nearly 5,000 people aged 55 and older living in Warsaw. The full shingles vaccination regimen will include two doses of the vaccine , which the city will pay for. One dose costs PLN 750 .

Warsaw will pay for both doses. The city's shingles and post-herpetic neuralgia prevention program also covers the cost of doctor visits qualifying for vaccination.

– adds Renata Kaznowska.

As part of the campaign, the city also plans to conduct an information campaign about the launch of the vaccination program and the risk factors, course and prevention of shingles and post-herpetic neuralgia.

Shingles and its complications are a global health problem that mainly affects older people. It is estimated that almost one in three people will develop shingles in their lifetime, and the risk of the disease increases dramatically after the age of 50.

Also at risk are people with weakened immune systems, especially those with cancer (lymphoma, multiple myeloma, leukemia), chronic heart, liver, lung, kidney disease, diabetes or autoimmune diseases.

The most common complication of shingles is neuralgia (herpetic neuralgia), which occurs at the site of the rash and lasts weeks, months, or even years after the skin lesions have healed.

- stated in the information.

Such long-lasting and debilitating pain reduces the quality of life of patients and may contribute to sleep disorders, depression and social isolation. The risk of developing postherpetic neuralgia increases rapidly with the age of the patient.