“We encourage people to get informed about the benefits of vaccination against these diseases. For many adults aged 60 and older, it may be convenient to receive these vaccines during the same visit as their influenza vaccination at their local health center this fall,” says Ragnheiður Ósk Erlendsdóttir, executive director of nursing at Heilsugæsla höfuðborgarsvæðisins.

General recommendations on adult vaccinations and priority groups are available on Ísland.is.

Cost of vaccination

Individuals who choose to receive shingles and pneumococcal vaccines have to pay for the vaccines. The prices can be found in the health centers' price list.

Health Iceland (Sjúkratryggingar Íslands) contributes to the cost of pneumococcal vaccination for eligible priority groups as defined in its reimbursement guidelines.

Shingles vaccine

• The shingles vaccine is intended to reduce the risk of shingles and its complications in people who have previously had chickenpox.

• Vaccination lowers the risk of developing shingles and the acute complications associated with the disease.

• Research also shows that the vaccine reduces the risk of dementia and may help slow functional decline associated with dementia, including Alzheimer's disease.

• The vaccination consists of two doses administered approximately six months apart.

More information about shingles vaccination is available on Ísland.is.

Pneumococcal vaccine

• The pneumococcal vaccine helps protect against infections caused by Streptococcus pneumoniae, including sinus infections, ear infections, and pneumonia.

• In some cases, these infections can lead to serious illnesses such as bloodstream infections, meningitis, and other life-threatening conditions.

• The vaccine is administered as a single dose.

More information about pneumococcal vaccination is available on Ísland.is.