Meningococcal disease
What is Meningococcal disease?
Meningococcal disease is caused by bacteria called neisseria meningitidis (meningococcus). Several types of this bacterium exist. The bacterium can cause several diseases which are then called meningococcal disease. People can carry the bacteria in the nose without becoming ill themselves. The bacteria can cause a severe infection when it spreads deeper into the body. The disease worsens quickly and often starts with a cold and a flu-like feeling. After this, the symptoms quickly get worse and the individual develops a high fever. If the bacteria continue to spread to the bloodstream or nervous system, it can cause blood poisoning or meningitis. The first symptoms often appear one to three days after infection.
How do you get Meningococcal disease?
The meningococcal bacteria are transmitted from person to person via aerosols (droplets in the air). Even people who do not become ill themselves can carry the bacteria for a long time. These people are contagious even without symptoms.
What can you do to prevent Meningococcal disease?
You can be vaccinated against meningococcal disease. There are several vaccines that protect against different types of meningococcal disease. Based on your destination and health, we will be happy to give you personalised advice.
From what age can you get the meningococcal vaccination?
Since 2002, 14-month-old babies in the Netherlands receive the vaccination against meningococcal C through the National Vaccination Programme. In 2018, this switched to a combination vaccine against meningococcal A, C, W135 and Y.
Adults and the elderly can also get the meningococcal disease vaccine. At vaccinatiecentrum.nl, you can get the meningococcal B vaccination and the meningococcal A, C, W135 and Y vaccination.
What protection does the Meningococcal vaccination offer?
The meningococcal B vaccination, for anyone over two years old, consists of two doses that must be at least one month apart. For children under two years of age, this is three or four doses, depending on exact age. How long this vaccination provides protection is not yet known.
The vaccination against meningococcal A, C, W135 and Y consists of one shot. This vaccination provides 10 years of protection.
What are the side effects of a Meningococcal vaccination?
A meningococcal vaccination may cause side effects. For example, the injection site may be painful, red or swollen. After the vaccination, you may feel unwell temporarily.
Fever is common after meningococcal B vaccination. Children younger than two years can get a high fever, especially if other vaccinations were given at the same time. You can reduce the risk of fever by taking or giving your child paracetamol beforehand.
The meningococcal A, C, W135 and Y vaccination, in addition to the side effects around the injection site mentioned above, can also cause fever and drowsiness.
How much will a Meningococcal vaccination cost?
The vaccine against meningococcal B is not in the National Vaccination Programme and is reimbursed by health insurers in some exceptions. The meningococcal A, C, W135 and Y vaccine is offered to children aged 14 months and 14 years as part of the National Vaccination Programme. At other ages, the costs are at your own expense.
If you have supplementary insurance in the Netherlands, an meningococcal vaccination is in most cases covered by your health insurance. Check with your health insurer whether the vaccination is (partially) covered.
For more information on the prices, please visit our prices page.
Questions or schedule an appointment?
For anyone over two years old, there should be at least one month between the two doses of the meningococcal B vaccine. Below this age, the vaccine consists of three or four doses. Therefore, book an appointment well in advance if you want to get the vaccination before travelling.
Do you have questions or would you like to book an appointment for a personal (travel)consultation? Use the button below, email us at info@vaccinatiecentrum.nl or call 085-9020303.
Please note!
The vaccination against meningococcal B is generally available within a few days but is not always in stock at every location. Please contact us by phone before your appointment.