Over 200,000 Shingles Vaccine Doses Sold in First Half of 2026

Norway has witnessed an unprecedented surge in the uptake of shingles vaccines, with sales soaring to 206,187 doses in the first half of 2026 alone. This figure starkly contrasts with the 696 doses sold throughout all of 2021, indicating a massive shift in public health behavior.

Hanne Andresen, a professional director at the Pharmacy Association (Apotekforeningen), attributes this dramatic increase to heightened public awareness regarding both the health issues associated with shingles and a potential reduction in dementia risk among vaccinated individuals. The demand was so high in February that the vaccine became temporarily unavailable in many locations.

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Stor oppmerksomhet om både helseproblemene knyttet til helvetesild og en mulig redusert risiko for demens, har bidratt til at veldig mange har tatt vaksinen som beskytter mot helvetesild hittil i år.

If current trends continue, the number of vaccinated individuals could quintuple from the previous year. While approximately 150,000 people have likely received both doses of the vaccine this year, the total number of individuals vaccinated in 2025 was 56,000. Andresen projects that the total for 2026 could exceed this significantly.

Analysis of regional data reveals that individuals over 50 in Rogaland have received the most shingles vaccines, followed by Vestland, Oslo, and Akershus. Conversely, Nordland, Telemark, Finnmark, and Troms show the lowest vaccination rates per capita. Andresen noted a correlation between higher average incomes and increased vaccination coverage, suggesting a potential socioeconomic disparity in access to preventative health measures. The vaccine requires a prescription and costs approximately 4,500 kroner for the two necessary doses.

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Om utviklingen fortsetter i 2. halvår, vil vi se minst en femdobling fra i fjor.