Herpes zoster (also known as shingles) is caused by infection with the varicella zoster virus which can also cause varicella (also known as chickenpox). After primary infection (varicella), the virus remains inactive in the recipient's body. If, at a later stage, the virus becomes active, it can cause herpes zoster. In the Netherlands, the Minister of Health, Welfare and Sport (VWS) determines which vaccinations are offered nationally. The minister takes this decision based on advice from the Health Council. The Health Council is currently preparing a new advice regarding herpes zoster vaccination. In 2016, herpes zoster vaccination with the then available vaccine Zostavax® did not qualify for a national programme as the vaccine did not provide sufficient protection. According to the Health Council, the vaccination could be reconsidered as soon as a new vaccine became available. This was the case at the beginning of 2018 (Shingrix®). To support the Health Council's advisory report, the RIVM collected background information about vaccination for herpes zoster and the extent to which it occurs in the Netherlands. These overviews are created when the Health Council prepares an advisory report about a possible new vaccination. This document includes information about the number of people in the Netherlands who become ill every year, the efficacy and safety of vaccines, and the opinion of the public about vaccination for herpes zoster. Herpes zoster usually starts with itching, tingling or severe, burning or stabbing pain. After a few days, groups of vesicles appear on the body, usually around the abdomen or waist. After 10 to 14 days, the vesicles dry to crusts. Sometimes herpes zoster can cause serious complications, such as nerve pain (postherpetic neuralgia or PHN) or inflammation of the facial nerve. Nerve pain can persist after the vesicles have disappeared, sometimes for a long time. People rarely die from herpes zoster. The chance that someone gets herpes zoster is 23 to 30 percent; it is most common in adults aged over 50.