Andorra Launches Free Adult Vaccination Schedule from March 1

Andorra's Health Ministry has launched a standardised vaccination schedule for adults aged 18 and over, effective March 1, offering fully funded immunisations at primary care centres (CAPs) with direct bookings and no need for prescriptions.

Health Minister Helena Mas and Rosa Vidal, head of Prevention, Promotion, and Health Surveillance, unveiled the decree this week. The plan establishes clear structure for adult vaccines, replacing prior recommendations, physician prescriptions, partial CASS reimbursements, and copayments. Previously, the full package totalled €868.96, with CASS reimbursing €651.72 and patients covering €217.24. Ministry-led centralised procurement now lowers costs to €448.50-€488.50 per adult, fully covered to improve access, stock control, and distribution tracking.

Mas stressed prevention's core role in public health, with vaccines safeguarding individuals and contributing to herd immunity. "Vaccines protect you and the entire community," she said, highlighting how direct CAP access boosts uptake. Centralised buying also aids storage and monitoring, she added.

Vidal detailed the schedule: - Age 40: One dTpa dose (diphtheria, tetanus, acellular pertussis). - Age 65: One dTpa booster, two herpes zoster doses, one pneumococcal vaccine. - Age 80: One RSV dose.

Pregnant women receive dTpa per pregnancy, ideally weeks 27-36, to pass antibodies to newborns. Adults 18+ needing catch-up for missing immunity qualify for: two varicella doses, three diphtheria-tetanus doses, two triple viral (measles, mumps, rubella—for those born post-1960), and three hepatitis B doses (post-1980 births). Vaccines outside the schedule require prescriptions. It complements child calendars, flu, and Covid campaigns.

Officials emphasised the plan stems from long-term efforts, not urgent outbreaks or neighbour cases. Andorra eliminated measles in 2002, holds vaccination coverage over 90%, and maintains surveillance with response protocols. They credited healthcare workers for high acceptance by addressing hesitancy with evidence.

The College of Physicians praised the step. President Albert Dorca called it a long-pursued change that cuts unnecessary visits for age-based vaccines, freeing resources while doctors continue education and doubt resolution.

The Official College of Nurses and Nurses of Andorra (COIA) hailed it as "good, necessary, and coherent" with preventive care, as foreseen in Law 39/2022. It streamlines processes, eases system pressure, and upholds nurses' legal role in administering calendar vaccines without prescriptions.

A "Arremanguem-nos" ("Let's roll up our sleeves") campaign will promote uptake via leaflets on eligibility and disease prevention. Mas encouraged checking vaccination history: if unsure, get the dose.