The National Immunisation Programme in the Netherlands. Surveillance and developments in 2021-2022 (2024)

FAQs

Are vaccinations mandatory in the Netherlands? ›

While participation is not compulsory, over 95% of parents consent to having their children vaccinated. The high vaccination rate means that these serious diseases have now become a rarity. We need to keep it that way by ensuring that children are vaccinated.

The MMR vaccination protects against mumps, measles and rubella. Children receive the MMR vaccination at 14 months, and a repeat vaccination at 9 years. It is possible to get the MMR vaccination sooner, for example if you are planning to travel outside the Netherlands.

In the Netherlands the vaccination coverage is high, at an average of over 90%. But to eradicate infectious diseases altogether, even more people need to be vaccinated.

The DPTP-Hib-HepB vaccination protects children against 6 serious infectious diseases: diphtheria, whooping cough (pertussis), tetanus, polio, Hib disease and Hepatitis B. Before a child turns one year it receives 3 vaccinations at 3 months, 5 months and 11 months.

Insurance for vaccinations in the Netherlands

For residents of the Netherlands with valid health insurance, vaccinations under the National Immunization Program are free of charge. Other vaccinations (such as a seasonal flu shot or a hepatitis B vaccine) may also be free depending on your overall health or age.

Are you eligible? If so, schedule an appointment for a COVID-19 vaccination at the GGD now. Or call to 0800-7070 (during office hours).

Courses or boosters usually advised: none. Other vaccines to consider: Diphtheria; Tetanus. Selectively advised vaccines - only for those individuals at highest risk: Hepatitis A; Hepatitis B. No yellow fever vaccination certificate required for this country.

Several countries in Europe have been designated rabies-free jurisdictions: Austria, Belgium, Czechia, Cyprus, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Luxembourg, Malta, Montenegro, the Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, and the United Kingdom.

Update 15 May 2024

These figures are very high compared to recorded figures for every year since whooping cough was designated as a notifiable disease in 1975. From 1 January to 13 May 2024, there have been a total of 8.625 reported cases of whooping cough, including 426 infants.

You can make an appointment to get the HPV vaccine online at www.hpvafspraak.nl or by phone on 0800–1608.

What is the typhoid vaccine in the Netherlands? ›

The typhoid fever vaccination consists of one shot and provides protection for three years. The vaccination protects 60-70% against the serious complications of typhoid fever and is available from the age of 2 years.

Side effects — Common side effects include injection site pain, redness, and swelling; fever; drowsiness; and loss of appetite. Local reactions are more common after the fourth and fifth doses. Rare side effects include severe allergic reactions (anaphylaxis) or brain swelling.

The DPT vaccine or DTP vaccine is a class of combination vaccines against three infectious diseases in humans: diphtheria, pertussis (whooping cough), and tetanus (lockjaw).

Protection at birth (PAB) against neonatal tetanus vaccination coverage and vaccination coverage among pregnant women of Tetanus toxoid-containing vaccine (TT2+/Td2+) and Pertussis-containing vaccine.

Vaccination is strongly recommended if you're going to be staying or working with local people, or if you're going to be staying for prolonged periods in areas where sanitation and food hygiene are likely to be poor.