Short answer. Lithuania's Ministry of Health gives free potassium iodide tablets, on an automatic e-prescription, to permanent residents of the 17 municipalities within 100 km of the Astravets (Belarus) nuclear plant 1. They are collected at listed pharmacies and taken only when the Ministry says so 12. Anyone else can buy them in any pharmacy without a prescription 3.
Who receives free tablets?
Permanent residents of the 17 municipalities within 100 km of the Astravets nuclear power plant 1:
Vilnius city, Vilnius district, Varėna, Šalčininkai, Trakai, Elektrėnai, Kaišiadorys, Širvintos, Ukmergė, Molėtai, Anykščiai, Utena, Ignalina, Zarasai, Visaginas, Švenčionys and Jonava district.
The tablets are state-funded. They were first handed out in 2020 and renewed from 1 April 2025 1. The e-prescription is issued automatically by Santaros klinikos and the tablets are collected at one of the pharmacies on the Ministry's list 1. In 2025, prescriptions were renewed every month until autumn, and students studying in the zone without a declared residence there were added 1.
Can I buy potassium iodide outside the zone?
Yes. According to the Ministry of Health FAQ, anyone outside the free scheme can buy potassium iodide at their own expense in any pharmacy, without a prescription 3.
When should I take it?
Only on a Ministry of Health instruction, given by radio, TV or other channels, after radioactive iodine has been released 2. The Ministry writes: "tabletes reikėtų vartoti tik gavus Sveikatos apsaugos ministerijos nurodymą" (the tablets should be taken only after receiving an instruction from the Ministry of Health) 2. They are not for preventive use, and iodised food or iodine antiseptic must not be used instead 23. The radiation hazard signal (Radiacinis pavojus) tells people to take stable iodine if instructed 4.
What is the dose?
Tablets contain 65 mg; one dose protects the thyroid for 24 hours 23:
| Age group | Dose |
|---|---|
| Newborns up to 1 month | 16 mg (a quarter tablet) |
| 1 month to 3 years | 32 mg (half a tablet) |
| 3 to 12 years | 65 mg (one tablet) |
| From 12 years, adults, pregnant and breastfeeding women | 130 mg (two tablets) |
People without a thyroid must not take it 23. Follow the dose given in the official instruction at the time.
Should iodine go in my evacuation bag?
The LT72 bag list includes potassium iodide for people living within 100 km of an operating nuclear power plant, to be taken only when instructed 5. See the kit checklist.
Frequently asked questions
Is potassium iodide free in Lithuania?
Yes, for permanent residents of the 17 municipalities near Astravets, on an automatic e-prescription 1. Others can buy it without a prescription 3.
Does iodine protect against all radiation?
No. It protects the thyroid against radioactive iodine for 24 hours per dose 23. Background: potassium iodide, radiation decontamination.
Can I take it as a precaution?
No. The Ministry says to take it only on its instruction, not preventively 2.
Why 100 km?
That is the zone the Ministry uses around the Astravets plant 1. See nuclear plant zones.
Sources
- Lietuvos Respublikos sveikatos apsaugos ministerija — Receptai kalio jodido tabletėms netrukus bus atnaujinti, jas gaus ir gyvenamosios vietos nedeklaravę studentai — https://sam.lrv.lt/lt/news/receptai-kalio-jodido-tabletems-netrukus-bus-atnaujinti-jas-gaus-ir-gyvenamosios-vietos-nedeklarave-studentai/ (accessed 2026-10-20; read in a Wayback Machine copy because the official site blocks automated access)
- Lietuvos Respublikos sveikatos apsaugos ministerija — Kalio jodido (KI) tablečių vartojimas įvykus branduolinei avarijai — https://sam.lrv.lt/lt/veiklos-sritys/visuomenes-sveikatos-prieziura/ekstremaliuju-situaciju-prevencija-ir-valdymas/informacija-apie-kalio-jodido-tabletes/ (accessed 2026-10-20; read in a Wayback Machine copy because the official site blocks automated access)
- Lietuvos Respublikos sveikatos apsaugos ministerija — DUK apie kalio jodido tabletes — https://sam.lrv.lt/public/canonical/1744205951/27442/DUK%20apie%20kalio%20jodido%20tabletes%20(final).pdf (accessed 2026-10-20; read in a Wayback Machine copy because the official site blocks automated access)
- Priešgaisrinės apsaugos ir gelbėjimo departamentas prie VRM — Sirenos ir civilinės saugos signalai — https://lt72.lt/civilines-saugos-signalai-kaip-elgtis-juos-isgirdus/ (accessed 2026-10-20; read in a Wayback Machine copy because the official site blocks automated access)
- Priešgaisrinės apsaugos ir gelbėjimo departamentas prie VRM — Išvykimo krepšys — https://lt72.lt/isvykimo-krepsys-5/ (accessed 2026-10-20; read in a Wayback Machine copy because the official site blocks automated access)
Turn this into action
Your plan for Lithuania, 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
- Lietuvos Respublikos sveikatos apsaugos ministerija · Receptai kalio jodido tabletėms netrukus bus atnaujinti, jas gaus ir gyvenamosios vietos nedeklaravę studentai checked 2026-10-20
- Lietuvos Respublikos sveikatos apsaugos ministerija · Kalio jodido (KI) tablečių vartojimas įvykus branduolinei avarijai checked 2026-10-20
- Lietuvos Respublikos sveikatos apsaugos ministerija · DUK apie kalio jodido tabletes checked 2026-10-20
- Priešgaisrinės apsaugos ir gelbėjimo departamentas prie VRM · Sirenos ir civilinės saugos signalai checked 2026-10-20
- Priešgaisrinės apsaugos ir gelbėjimo departamentas prie VRM · Išvykimo krepšys checked 2026-10-20