Short answer. The Dutch government has pre-distributed 65 mg potassium iodide tablets to people up to 40 living in the first ring around Borssele, Doel and Mol (20 km) and Emsland (25 km), and to children up to 18 and pregnant women up to 100 km 1. The tablets are also sold without prescription in pharmacies and drugstores 1. Take them only when the government says so 1.
Who received iodine tablets in the Netherlands?
Distribution depends on your distance from a nuclear plant and on your age 1:
| Zone | Distance | Who receives tablets |
|---|---|---|
| 1st ring: Borssele, Doel, Mol | Up to 20 km | Everyone up to 40, and pregnant women |
| 1st ring: Emsland | Up to 25 km | Everyone up to 40, and pregnant women |
| 2nd ring: Borssele, Doel, Tihange | 20 to 100 km | Children up to 18, and pregnant women |
| 2nd ring: Emsland | 25 to 100 km | Children up to 18, and pregnant women |
| Research reactor Petten | 0 to 3 km | Zone defined around the reactor |
| Research reactor Delft | 0 to 0.5 km | Zone defined around the reactor |
The current tablets come from two rounds 1. In July 2021, everyone up to 40 in the first ring of Borssele, Doel and Emsland received new tablets, replacing those handed out between 2010 and 2015. In 2017, children up to 18 in the second ring of Borssele, Doel, Emsland and Tihange, and people up to 40 in the first ring of Mol, received tablets. First-ring residents of Borssele and Doel without tablets since 1 August 2021 can request them from their municipality 1.
What about Emsland?
The Emsland plant has shut down. Residents of the regions that were covered because of Emsland (Groningen, Friesland, Drenthe, IJsselland, Twente, Noord- and Oost-Gelderland, Gelderland-Midden and Flevoland) are asked to hand their tablets back at a pharmacy 1.
When should I take the tablets?
Only on official instruction. The government's wording is: "So only take the tablets if the government announces this" 1. The instruction comes through NL-Alert or the regional emergency broadcaster 1; both are explained on the alerts page. Our potassium iodide guide explains what the tablets do and do not protect against, and why timing and age matter, and the shelter or evacuate guide covers the other protective actions.
Can I buy iodine tablets myself?
Yes. Potassium iodide is sold over the counter, without prescription, in pharmacies and (online) drugstores; ask for potassium iodide 1.
How long do the tablets keep?
Ten years from purchase; the expiry date is printed after "EXP" on the box 1. Some of the tablets distributed in 2017 expire in 2026, others in 2027 1. A new distribution is planned by 2027, with a decision expected in 2026 1.
Frequently asked questions
I live 50 km from Borssele. Do I get tablets?
At that distance you are in the second ring. Tablets there were distributed to children up to 18 and to pregnant women, not to other adults 1.
Why are adults over 40 not included?
The government's distribution covers people up to 40 in the first ring 1. Our potassium iodide guide summarises the international health guidance on age.
My tablets expire in 2026. What should I do?
Check the EXP date on the box. A new distribution is planned by 2027, with a decision expected in 2026; tablets can also be bought without prescription 1.
Will I be told when to take them?
Yes, by NL-Alert or the regional emergency broadcaster. Do not take them before that 1.
Sources
- Rijksoverheid — Jodiumtabletten — https://www.rijksoverheid.nl/themas/familie-zorg-en-gezondheid/straling/jodiumtabletten (accessed 2026-10-20)
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Sources
- Rijksoverheid · Jodiumtabletten checked 2026-10-20