Who gets the flu vaccine reimbursed through CNAS?
The percentages apply to the reference price, on prescription, under the terms of the health insurance system. The categories below are those in Ministry of Health Order 3.120/2023, consolidated version. The doctor decides who qualifies, including at the age limits.
100% reimbursement
- Children from 6 months up to (but not including) 19 years of age.
- Pregnant women.
- Adults aged 19–64 with the conditions or medical situations listed in the order.
- People over 65.
- Medical, healthcare and auxiliary staff.
50% reimbursement
People aged 45–64 without chronic diseases.
The percentage does not automatically mean half of any price shown online.
For adults aged 19–64, the list includes chronic cardiovascular, respiratory, kidney, liver, neurological, metabolic, oncological or autoimmune conditions, congenital malformations, obesity, asplenia or preparation for splenectomy, HIV/AIDS, immunosuppressive therapy, transplantation and congenital immunosuppression. Not every diagnosis automatically qualifies for reimbursement; show the doctor the relevant documents.
Does a “free vaccine” also mean free administration?
There are two things to check: the vaccine dispensed by the pharmacy and the administration service. CNAS reimbursement concerns the vaccine, relative to the reference price. The pharmacy confirms your personal contribution for the product on the prescription before dispensing it.
Separately, the vaccination service in a pharmacy may be free or charged for, in line with art. 7 of Ministry of Health Order 3.262/2022. Do not assume that a pharmacy on the list also offers free administration. Ask explicitly: “How much do I pay for the vaccine on my prescription, and how much does administration cost?”.
If you do not qualify for reimbursement, the vaccine can be bought at full price. The online price proves neither the amount you will pay on prescription nor the stock of a particular pharmacy. We do not publish a single amount for all vaccines and all pharmacies.
How to get the reimbursed flu vaccine
- Talk to your doctor. Your family doctor or another doctor contracted with the health insurance house checks your eligibility and prescribes the appropriate vaccine.
- Contact the pharmacy. Confirm that it dispenses on a reimbursed prescription, that the prescribed product is available and any amounts you will have to pay.
- Arrange the administration. At the vaccinating doctor's surgery or in an authorised pharmacy, after checking the conditions and opening hours.
We detail the documents, the appointment and the difference between the prescription and the recommendation for administration in the guide to the flu vaccine prescription.
Where can you find a pharmacy that vaccinates?
Choose your town from the list of pharmacies offering flu vaccination. Each local list shows addresses, phone numbers and the source of the listing. The Ministry of Health list confirms the authorisation; it does not confirm the stock on the day of your visit or the price of administration. Not every branch of a chain vaccinates.
If your town has no results, you can discuss administration at the surgery with your family doctor. The absence of a result in the directory does not mean that there is no way to get vaccinated in that town.
Frequently asked questions
- Is the flu vaccine free for everyone?
- No. Reimbursement of 100% or 50% is granted to the categories listed in the order, on prescription, under CNAS conditions. Everyone else buys the vaccine at full price.
- Do pensioners automatically get a free flu vaccine?
- Being a pensioner is not the only criterion. The order covers people over 65, as well as other eligible categories. The doctor checks whether you qualify and issues the prescription.
- What does 50% reimbursement mean for the flu vaccine?
- For people aged 45–64 without chronic diseases, the percentage applies to the reference price. The pharmacist confirms your personal contribution for the vaccine on the prescription.
- If the vaccine is 100% reimbursed, is administration in the pharmacy free?
- Not automatically. The vaccine and the administration service have separate costs. The pharmacy may offer administration free of charge or for a fee; ask before you book.