Short answer. In Belgium, iodine tablets are free at pharmacies on presentation of an identity card: one box per 4 people 1. Households and collective facilities in municipalities within 20 km of a nuclear site (10 km around IRE Fleurus) are advised to collect them 23. Nationwide, so are children under 18, pregnant and breastfeeding women and child-related facilities 2. Never take them on your own initiative 12.
Who is advised to collect iodine tablets in Belgium?
| Who | Where in Belgium |
|---|---|
| All households and collective facilities | Municipalities within 20 km of Doel, Tihange, Mol-Dessel (BE), Borssele (NL) or Chooz (FR), or within 10 km of IRE Fleurus 23 |
| Children under 18 | Whole country 2 |
| Pregnant and breastfeeding women | Whole country 2 |
| Child-related facilities | Whole country 2 |
| Adults over 40 | Advised to discuss use with their GP 24 |
A whole municipality is included even if only part of it lies inside the radius 23. Border sites count: Borssele is in the Netherlands and Chooz in France, but Belgian municipalities near them are covered 23.
For the general logic of planning zones, see How far do emergency zones around nuclear plants extend?.
How do I get iodine tablets in Belgium?
Go to a community pharmacy with an identity card. The pharmacist hands out the tablets free of charge: "Votre pharmacien vous remettra alors une boîte de comprimés par 4 personnes" (Your pharmacist will then give you one box of tablets per 4 people) 1. No prescription is mentioned 1.
Besides this pre-distribution, the authorities keep a strategic central stock in a pharmaceutical warehouse and decentralised stocks with Civil Protection units, for delivery during an emergency 14.
When should I take them?
Only when the authorities tell you to 12. Never take them on your own initiative 2. Adults over 40 are advised to discuss use with their GP beforehand 24. For background on how iodine tablets work, see Potassium iodide (KI): when to take it and who needs it.
How long do the tablets keep?
At least 10 years 4. The most recent boxes in circulation were produced in 2017 4. Boxes produced between October 2010 and June 2011 are still valid, but exchanging them free at the pharmacy for 2017 boxes is recommended as a precaution 4.
Where should I keep the box?
With the household emergency kit, which the National Crisis Centre says should include a box of iodine tablets, to be taken only on instruction 1. See Belgium's emergency kit checklist.
Frequently asked questions
Do I have to pay for iodine tablets in Belgium?
No. They are free at the pharmacy with an identity card, one box per 4 people 1.
I live far from a nuclear plant. Should I get some?
If you have children under 18, or you are pregnant or breastfeeding, yes: the advice for these groups applies nationwide 2.
Should adults over 40 take iodine?
Adults over 40 are advised to discuss use with their GP 24.
My box dates from 2011. Is it still good?
Boxes produced from October 2010 to June 2011 are still valid, but a free exchange for a 2017 box is recommended as a precaution 4.
Sources
- Centre de crise National (risquenucleaire.be) — Aller chercher des comprimés d'iode chez le pharmacien — https://risquenucleaire.be/fr/comprimes-diode/aller-chercher-des-comprimes-diode-chez-le-pharmacien (accessed 2026-10-20)
- Centre de crise National (risquenucleaire.be) — Pour qui ? — https://risquenucleaire.be/fr/comprimes-diode/pour-qui (accessed 2026-10-20)
- Centre de crise National (NCCN) — Incident dans une centrale nucléaire — https://centredecrise.be/fr/risques-en-belgique/risques-economiques-et-technologiques/incident-dans-une-centrale-nucleaire (accessed 2026-10-20)
- Centre de crise National (risquenucleaire.be) — FAQ — https://risquenucleaire.be/fr/faq (accessed 2026-10-20)
Turn this into action
Your plan for Belgium, worked out for your household.
- Water, food and equipment counted for each person and pet
- The nuclear plants and zones around your home
- Phaenyx Safe: one tap to tell your people you are safe
Sources
- Centre de crise National (risquenucleaire.be) · Aller chercher des comprimés d'iode chez le pharmacien checked 2026-10-20
- Centre de crise National (risquenucleaire.be) · Pour qui ? checked 2026-10-20
- Centre de crise National (NCCN) · Incident dans une centrale nucléaire checked 2026-10-20
- Centre de crise National (risquenucleaire.be) · FAQ checked 2026-10-20