Vaccination

Everything you need to know

Vaccination is covered for the following target groups:

People aged 65 and over

  • Be aged 65 or over during the current year.
  • A high-dose or adjuvanted vaccine is recommended by the CSMI and covered.

People under 65 who are at particular risk

This group includes:

  • adults or minors with chronic lung diseases, including minors with bronchial asthma, and heart diseases;
  • adults or minors with chronic metabolic or kidney diseases;
  • adults or minors whose natural defences are weakened either by disease or by treatment;
  • adults or minors with sickle cell anaemia or other haemoglobinopathies;
  • adults or minors with conditions involving impaired respiratory function or difficult secretion clearance or at risk of aspiration, such as mental disability, spinal cord injury, diplegia, neuromuscular diseases;
  • adults or minors suffering from diseases requiring long-term treatment with salicylates;
  • pregnant women;
  • premature babies (< 33 weeks) during their first two winters;
  • people living in closed communities (retirement homes, care institutions);
  • people with a BMI greater than 40.

Terms and conditions of coverage

People in this group can receive a vaccine on medical prescription (indication of diagnosis or mention of ‘at-risk patient’).

  • Coverage applies to a standard vaccine.
  • If a person at risk under the age of 65 wishes to receive a high-dose or adjuvanted vaccine (within the scope of the vaccine's indications), the difference in price compared to a standard vaccine is payable by that person.

Practical rules

  • In principle, the entitlement is for one dose per year.
  • For children under the age of 9, up to two doses may be covered.
  • If the high-dose vaccine is unavailable, a standard vaccine may be administered.

Conditions for coverage of the pneumococcal vaccine

This vaccine aims to prevent invasive pneumococcal infection in order to minimise the risk of complications, which can lead to illness and premature death. The list of beneficiaries covered by health insurance has been drawn up on the basis of recommendations from the Higher Council for Infectious Diseases (Conseil supérieur des maladies infectieuses-CSMI).

The vaccine against invasive pneumococcal infections is fully covered (100%) if:

  • The person is aged between 65 and 85 and in good health, or
  • They are at increased risk of developing a pneumococcal infection due to:
    • Chronic lung, kidney or heart disease
    • Smoking
    • Excessive alcohol consumption, with or without cirrhosis;
    • Meningitis;
    • Cochlear implant.

Coverage also applies to people who are immunocompromised due to:

  • Congenital absence of the spleen;
  • Splenectomy or functional asplenia;
  • Sickle cell anaemia or other haemoglobinopathies;
  • Congenital immunodeficiency;
  • Neoplasia;
  • Organ transplantation;
  • HIV infection;
  • Immunosuppressive treatment.

Vaccination procedure

Vaccines will be dispensed by the pharmacy of choice in Luxembourg upon presentation of a medical prescription.

In adults, vaccination requires a double injection of a conjugate vaccine (Prevenar-13) and a polysaccharide vaccine (Pneumovax-23) 8 weeks apart.

A booster dose of the Pneumovax-23 polysaccharide vaccine is recommended every 5 years. A booster dose of the Prevenar-13 conjugate vaccine is not necessary.

Frequently asked questions (FAQ)

Are these vaccinations covered if we purchase them abroad?

No.
Coverage is only possible if these services are provided in the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg.

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