Shingles (Shingrix vaccination)
What is shingles?
Shingles, also known as herpes zoster, is an infectious skin disease characterised by painful blisters on one side of the body. The blisters form a sort of belt over the body, hence the name. Shingles often affects one arm or leg or one half of the face, back or chest.
The disease progresses in stages. At first, an unpleasant sensation develops at the spot where the blisters will later appear. This can be pain, but also tingling, itching or a burning sensation. A few days later, small, red blisters appear. These blisters are filled with fluid and can cause a lot of pain and itching. After about seven to 10 days, the blisters dry into scabs, but new blisters may appear after a week since the appearance of the first blisters. In some cases, no blisters appear at all and there is only itching and pain. Shingles on the face can additionally lead to impaired vision.
After the blisters disappear, (severe) pain in the affected area may persist for some time. This is called post-herpetic neuralgia, or nerve pain after shingles. The nerve pain that can be caused by shingles is due to the inflammation of sensory nerves.
How do you get shingles?
The cause of shingles is the chickenpox virus. Once a person has had chickenpox, the virus remains in an inactive form in the body. Eventually, however, this virus can become active again. This usually happens when someone temporarily suffers from reduced immunity. Reduced immunity can have several causes, including:
- Sleep deprivation;
- Prolonged stress;
- An unhealthy diet;
- Medication, including chemotherapy and prednisone;
- Congenital immune disorders;
- Infectious immune disorders, including AIDS;
- Autoimmune disorders.
Reduced immunity is not the only factor involved in the development of shingles. When a person is over 60 years old, the risk of contracting shingles increases and the symptoms are generally worse. A person who has had shingles in the past has an increased risk of getting it again.
An adult who has never had chickenpox will first get chickenpox when infected with the chickenpox virus and cannot get shingles right away. Shingles cannot be contracted directly when a person has not had chickenpox first. After this, the virus remains inactive in the body, as in people who have had chickenpox as a child. From then on, it is possible to get shingles in the future.
What can you do to prevent shingles?
There is a vaccine available that helps prevent shingles and nerve pain after shingles. This vaccine, called Shingrix, is specially designed for people who have had chickenpox before.
The Shingrix vaccination is used for:
• Adults aged 50 and above;
• Adults aged 18 years and over at higher risk of developing shingles.
The vaccine is intended for people aged 18 and above.
How does the shingles vaccine work?
The vaccine contains proteins from the surface of the virus that causes shingles. The vaccine also contains a number of substances that enhance the immune system’s response to the virus.
Because the body is able to produce antibodies against the virus faster after vaccination, the risk of developing shingles is significantly reduced. Clinical studies have shown Shingrix to be 90% effective in preventing shingles in people over 50 years old The vaccine can also prevent the development of nerve pain. In many countries, Shingrix is widely given to elderly people aged sixty and above.
What protection does the shingles vaccination offer?
The shingles vaccination consists of two doses. The second dose is given within two to six months of the first dose. A booster vaccination is usually not necessary, but may be given if desired or when necessary.
How much will a shingles vaccination cost?
If you meet some (strict) conditions, a shingles vaccination (Shingrix) may be reimbursed by your (Dutch) basic health insurance. If not, the vaccination is at your own expense. For more information, please visit our prices page.
Any questions or want to book an appointment?
Do you have questions or would you like to book an appointment for a shingles vaccination? Use the button below, email us at info@vaccinatiecentrum.nl or call 085-9020303.
Your health and the Hajj
Dit blog is gepubliceerd op 8 november 2019
Your health and the hajj or umrah: this is how to stay healthy during your trip
Good physical health is one of the prerequisites for participating in the hajj. To ensure that you stay healthy during and after the hajj, it is wise to take some precautions. Some precautions, such as getting certain vaccinations, are also a prerequisite for making the hajj. In this blog, we will tell you more about which vaccinations you need, why they are important and when to get them.
What are the health risks during the hajj?
The hajj is not without danger. First of all, temperatures can reach 50⁰C, posing an elevated risk of sunstroke, dehydration or sunburn. In addition, the large crowds bring several risks. During the hajj, many people gather together, allowing diseases to spread easily and quickly.
You can reduce your chances of getting sick in several ways, such as paying close attention to hygiene and protecting yourself from the sun and heat. Preventive measures include:
- Drink plenty of water and take ORS (oral rehydration solution) with you. This is a solution of water with sugar and salts that you use to replenish fluid loss due to the heat. This reduces the risk of dehydration.
- Protection from the sun. To avoid sunstroke, bring a (white) parasol. Also remember to use sunscreen with a high SPF (Sun Protection Factor).
- Keeping hands clean. Wash them more often than usual and take a disinfectant cream or hand gel to kill bacteria. Try to avoid contact with animals. If contact with animals cannot be avoided, for example during a slaughtering ritual? Then disinfect your hands thoroughly afterwards.
- A mouth mask to reduce the risk of respiratory infections.
If you are going to have your head shaved bring your own razor blades and replace them after each use. When shaving, never use a blade that has already been used by someone else. Sharing razor blades increases the risk of infection with blood-borne diseases such as hepatitis B, hepatitis C and HIV. You can get vaccinated against hepatitis B. There are also vaccinations for other diseases you can contract during the hajj.
What vaccinations do I need for the hajj?
Some vaccinations are a prerequisite for participating in the hajj, while others are recommended. Which vaccinations you do or do not take should be carefully considered.
Obligatory vaccinations for participation in hajj
Vaccination against meningitis (inflammation of the brain) is obligatory for everyone over the age of two. This requirement is imposed by the government of Saudi Arabia. It covers meningitis types A, C, W135 and Y. The meningitis ACYW135 vaccination protects you against meningococcal disease. This disease can lead to meningitis or blood poisoning, which can quickly lead to shock with fatal consequences.
For children under 1 year of age, the ACYW135 vaccination schedule consists of several vaccinations. For adults and children older than 1 year, one vaccination is sufficient. This vaccination is valid for five years and must be administered at least 10 days before the start of hajj. How long the vaccination actually protects against meningitis is still uncertain. It is assumed that protection lasts about 3-5 years.
Recommended vaccinations for the hajj or umrah
Besides the obligatory vaccinations, there are some other vaccinations we recommend getting before your trip. To reduce the risk of contracting diseases during the hajj, we recommend you also get vaccinated against hepatitis A and B, diphtheria, tetanus and polio (DTP). The DTP vaccination is included in the national vaccination programme and provides protection for 10 years. A booster vaccination is usually not necessary for children, but for adults we recommend a booster vaccination in most cases. If you have any questions about this, feel free to book an appointment. We will be happy to give you advice based on your personal circumstances.
As mentioned earlier, it is recommended to bring your own razors if you want to shave your head. If this is not done safely, you run the risk of contracting hepatitis B, hepatitis C and HIV. You can get vaccinated against hepatitis B, but not against hepatitis C and HIV.
For all obligatory and recommended vaccinations for the hajj or umrah, you can book an appointment with us. Feel free to drop by for a personal consultation or ask about the possibilities of being vaccinated at your location. Hajj Mabrour!
Tuberculosis
What is tuberculosis?
Tuberculosis (TB) is caused by a bacterium. The bacteria can be anywhere in the body. The incubation period is eight weeks to a lifetime and about one in 10 people become ill. Pulmonary tuberculosis is the most common type and can cause the following symptoms:
- Coughing;
- Mucus when coughing, sometimes with blood;
- Reduced appetite;
- Fatigue;
- Fever;
- Difficulty breathing;
- Night sweats.
How do you get tuberculosis?
A person with open TB can transmit the bacteria by coughing. We call it open TB when a person has the bacteria in his or her lungs.
What can you do to prevent tuberculosis?
In specific cases, you can be vaccinated against tuberculosis. Other than that, avoid people who cough and poorly ventilated rooms. If tuberculosis is suspected or at increased risk, we can perform a screening for tuberculosis. We perform a tuberculosis screening by means of a skin test (Mantoux). We advise travellers to get checked for tuberculosis in the following cases:
- If you spend more than three months in high-risk areas;
- If you regularly take short trips to high-risk areas;
- When you think you have been exposed to tuberculosis (in local public transport, while staying with locals or through contact with sick, coughing people).
Tuberculosis vaccination information
There is a vaccine against tuberculosis. This tuberculosis vaccination is only administered in specific cases and this can only be done at the tuberculosis service of the GGD. At vaccinatiecentrum.nl you can have a tuberculosis test done eight weeks after your trip. This will tell you whether you contracted tuberculosis during your trip.
What does a tuberculosis test cost?
The Mantoux test for a possible tuberculosis infection is in most cases covered by your supplementary health insurance. For more information on costs, please visit our prices page.
Questions or schedule an appointment?
Do you have questions or would you like to book an appointment for a tuberculosis test? Use the button below, email us at info@vaccinatiecentrum.nl or call 085-9020303.
Japanese Encefalitis
Japanese Encephalitis
What is Japanese encephalitis?
Japanese encephalitis is a viral infection caused by a flavivirus. The first symptoms often appear within five to 15 days. In most people, infection causes no or mild symptoms. These are mainly flu-like symptoms with muscle pain and headache. In a small number of cases, the infection develops into meningitis, which can cause seizures and coma. This can eventually lead to a person’s death.
How do you get Japanese encephalitis?
Japanese encephalitis is not transmissible from human to human but spreads through the bite of a mosquito. The only mosquito that can transmit the disease is the culex mosquito. This mosquito is mainly found in the rice fields of South and East Asia and is active between sunset and sunrise.
What can you do to prevent Japanese encephalitis?
You can be vaccinated against Japanese encephalitis. Besides vaccination, it is important to take good mosquito precautions when travelling in high-risk areas. These include wearing clothing that covers you, applying a mosquito repellent such as DEET and sleeping under an (impregnated) mosquito net. Depending on your destination, how long you will stay in a high-risk area and the season in which you will travel, the risk of contracting Japanese encephalitis varies. Based on your travel plans, we will be happy to give you personal advice.
What protection does the Japanese encephalitis vaccination offer?
The vaccination against Japanese encephalitis consists of two doses. The second shot is given between one to four weeks after the first shot. The vaccination provides two years of protection. A booster after that gives ten years of protection.
How much will a Japanese encephalitis vaccination cost?
If you have (Dutch) supplementary health insurance, a Japanese encephalitis vaccination is in most cases covered by your health insurance. For more information on prices, please visit our prices page.
Questions or schedule an appointment?
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.
Meningococcal disease
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. Depending on which vaccine is given, the protection will last for five or ten years. For people going on Hadj/Umrah, the validity of the vaccine is always five years.
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.
Hepatitis B
What is hepatitis B?
Hepatitis B is a viral infection of the liver that occurs all over the world. Usually, a person becomes ill 2 to 3 months after infection. Symptoms are often mild or completely absent. When a person does develop symptoms, they often include fatigue, fever and jaundice. In a small number of cases, hepatitis B causes serious complications that can be life-threatening. In a small number of people, the disease does not cure on its own. In these cases, the infection with hepatitis B becomes chronic. When the disease is chronic, it can affect the liver in the long term and cause liver cirrhosis and liver fibrosis.
How do you get hepatitis B?
The hepatitis B virus can be found in semen, pre-ejaculate, vaginal fluid and the blood of an infected person. This makes the virus transmissible through sexual contact or contact with blood from an infected person. The virus can also be transmitted from mother to child at birth. Contamination can occur even by a small amount of infected blood in a wound(s). Also consider tattooing, piercing or other medical/beauty treatments. If instruments are not cleaned or replaced properly between clients, this can also cause contamination. The risk of this is higher in countries with poor sanitation.
What can you do to prevent hepatitis B?
To protect yourself against hepatitis B, you can be vaccinated. It is also wise to wear a condom during sex. This will also protect you against HIV and other STIs. Always think carefully about medical or cosmetic (tattoos or piercings) treatments in places with poor sanitation. Based on your destination and health, we will be happy to give you personal advice.
What protection does the hepatitis B vaccination offer?
The hepatitis B vaccination consists of three shots. You receive the second vaccination one month after the first and the third dose is given six to 12 months after the first. After the vaccinations, you are protected for life.
If you are vaccinated because you are at an occupational risk (for example, for a job in healthcare), you often also have to have a blood check for your employer. This happens a month after the last vaccination. For travellers, this is not necessary.
If you are vaccinated against hepatitis B, you can also opt for a combination vaccine. This vaccine offers protection against both hepatitis A and B. Depending on your needs, we will be happy to give you personalised advice.
How much will a hepatitis B vaccination cost?
In some cases, a hepatitis B vaccination is covered by your basic health insurance. For this, you must meet a number of conditions. Do you want to get the vaccination because you are travelling? Then in most cases the vaccination is covered by your supplementary health insurance. For more information on our prices, please visit our prices page.
Questions or schedule an appointment?
Keep in mind that there is a total of six to 12 months between doses of the vaccine. Do you choose a combined vaccine with hepatitis A? Then there is at least one month between the first and second dose and 5 months between the second and third dose. Therefore, book an appointment well in advance if you want to get the vaccination because you will be traveling (whether or not to a high-risk area).
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.
Hepatitis A
Hepatitis A
What is hepatitis A?
Hepatitis A is an inflammation of the liver caused by a virus. The time between infection and getting sick is about 28 days. Children usually do not get sick, adults often do. The symptoms of hepatitis A start with fever, lack of appetite, nausea and abdominal pain. After a few days, the skin and whites of the eyes turn yellow, the urine is tea-coloured and the stool is the colour of putty. These symptoms persist for about two weeks. Recovery can take months, which includes complaints such as fatigue and lethargy.
How do you get hepatitis A?
The virus is found in the faeces of an infected person. If traces of contaminated faeces end up on food or in drinking water, a person who eats or drinks this food can become infected. Hepatitis A can also be transmitted through contaminated door handles, taps and towels. Hepatitis A is prevalent on many popular holiday destinations. This does not always have to be far away. For example, Morocco, Egypt and Turkey are popular holiday destinations where hepatitis A is prevalent.
What can you do to prevent hepatitis A?
You can be vaccinated against hepatitis A. It is also important to wash your hands properly and regularly. Based on your destination and health, we will be happy to give you personal advice.
What protection does the hepatitis A vaccination offer?
The hepatitis A vaccine consists of a series of two shots. After the first vaccination, you are protected for one year. After the second shot, you are protected for 40 years.
If you are vaccinated against hepatitis A, you can also opt for a combination vaccine. This vaccine gives protection against both hepatitis A and B. Depending on your wishes, we will be happy to give you personalised advice.
How much will a hepatitis A vaccination cost?
In some cases, a hepatitis A vaccination is covered by basic health insurance. For this, you must meet a number of conditions. Check this with your health insurance company.
Do you want to get the vaccination because you are going on a trip? Then in most cases this vaccination will be covered by your supplementary health insurance.
For more information on the price of a vaccination, please visit our prices page.
Questions or schedule an appointment?
Are you opting for a combination vaccine of hepatitis A and B? Then keep in mind that there should be at least one month between the two vaccinations. Book an appointment well in advance if you want to get the vaccination because you are going to travel (whether or not to a high-risk area).
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.
Yellow fever
Yellow Fever
What is yellow fever?
Yellow fever is a tropical disease caused by a virus. Yellow fever is only found in certain regions of Africa and South America. In the Netherlands, there is no chance of a yellow fever outbreak because the yellow fever mosquito is not found here. Most people do not develop symptoms after infection with the yellow fever virus. Among those who do develop symptoms, the severity of symptoms can vary widely. A mild course often involves flu-like symptoms. In a severe course, the infected person develops high fever and bleeding. About 20-50% of the people who develop symptoms die.
How do you get yellow fever?
The yellow fever virus is transmitted by the yellow fever mosquito (Aedes mosquitos). When the mosquito stings a carrier of the virus (human or animal), the mosquito can become infected. Then, with subsequent stings, the mosquito can infect other people or animals. Yellow fever disease is found only in countries where the yellow fever mosquito is common. Aedes-mosquitos are active during from dawn till dusk.
What can you do to prevent yellow fever?
You can be vaccinated against yellow fever. In general it is also important to take the proper anti-mosquito measures. These include wearing clothing that covers you, applying a mosquito repellent such as DEET and sleeping under an (impregnated) mosquito net. Based on your destination and health, we will be happy to give you personal advice.
What are the side effects of a yellow fever vaccination?
The yellow fever vaccine is a live-attenuated virus vaccine and therefore has a bit more side effects than other vaccines. Between five to ten days after vaccination, you may experience fever, headache and drowsiness. Pregnant women and elderly people (>60 years old) in particular are more likely to experience side effects. Based on your personal situation, we will assess whether you can receive the yellow fever vaccine.
What protection does the yellow fever vaccination offer?
The vaccination consists of one dose and provides lifelong protection. For some destinations or situations, a yellow fever vaccination is obligatory. During the consultation, we will check whether this is the case for your destination(s).
How much will a yellow fever vaccination cost?
If you have supplementary health insurance, a yellow fever vaccination is covered by your health insurance in most cases. For more information, please visit our prices page.
Questions or schedule an appointment?
If a yellow fever vaccination is a prerequisite to enter the country you are travelling to, it must be given at least 10 days before departure. Therefore, make sure you book your yellow fever vaccination appointment on time.
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.
Tick-borne encephalitis (FSME/TBE)
What is tick-borne encephalitis?
Tick-borne encephalitis, also known as FSME or TBE, is caused by a virus transmitted by a tick. The virus can cause severe meningitis.
The severity and duration of symptoms can vary between individuals. Two-thirds of people who contract FSME/TBE have no or only mild symptoms (stage 1). In a third of cases, the disease exacerbates to stage 2:
Stage 1:
The characteristics of this stage resemble flu-like symptoms. These can occur 2 to 28 days after the tick bite, usually between 7 to 14 days after the bite.
Common symptoms may include:
- Feeling unwell;
- (Mild) fever;
- Fatigue;
- Muscle and joint pain;
- Headache;
- Nausea and vomiting;
- Abdominal pain and diarrhoea.
Stage 2:
A third of people do not get better after stage 1. In these individuals, the disease progresses to stage 2. In this case, a person appears to get better but symptoms reappear after 1 to 21 days. In this stage, the central nervous system is affected and one may develop encephalitis, meningitis or spinal meningitis. At this point, it is imperative that the person is admitted to a hospital.
Stage 2 may include the following common symptoms:
- (High) fever;
- Severe headache;
- Impaired movement (ataxia);
- Muscle and joint pain;
- Intolerance to light;
- Paralysis and nerve damage;
- Reduced consciousness, drowsiness and disorientation;
- Cognitive impairment;
- Sleep disorders;
- Hearing problems;
- Swallowing and speech problems;
- Vision problems;
- Cramping;
- Vertigo;
- Nausea and vomiting;
- Abdominal pain, constipation and diarrhoea;
- Trembling of the arms and legs;
- Neck pain and stiffness;
- Imbalance;
- Personality and behavioural changes;
- sensory overload;
- Fatigue;
- Emotional lability, anxiety and depression;
- Autonomic dysregulation;
- In rare cases epilepsy, seizures and coma.
Men and people aged over 50 are at higher risk of becoming seriously ill.
In addition, ticks transmit several other viruses. You may contract multiple infections from one tick bite, such as Lyme disease and FSME/TBE. In that case, FSME/TBE may be more severe.
How do you get tick-borne encephalitis?
The virus that causes tick-borne encephalitis is transmitted by ticks. A person can be infected if he or she is bitten by a tick carrying the virus. Any activity in nature carries the risk of a tick bite. The risk is greatest during activities amid trees, in bushes or grass. Examples of high-risk activities include hiking, cycling, camping and picnicking. In the Netherlands, ticks carrying the tick-borne encephalitis virus are very rare. There are parts of Europe and Asia where the risk of tick-borne encephalitis is such that it is recommended to get vaccinated. We do see that the area with TBE is shifting towards the Netherlands. So it will become more and more common.
What can you do to prevent tick-borne encephalitis?
Besides vaccination, you can also take other preventive measures. For instance, it is recommended to wear clothes that cover you as much as possible. Also cover your ankles; when walking through grass fields, a tick can still bite you if your ankles are exposed. Apply an insect repellent such as DEET.
The measures mentioned above do not provide 100% protection. For this reason, it is important, especially when you are in a high-risk area, to check for tick bites every day. If you are bitten by a tick, remove it as soon as possible. Always contact a doctor if you develop symptoms.
What protection does the tick-borne encephalitis vaccination offer?
The FSME/TBE vaccine is given in a series of three shots spread over a minimum of six months. After this basic series, you are protected against the FSME/TBE virus for three years.
If you are travelling to a high-risk area but your TBE vaccination was more than three years ago you can get a booster vaccination with the same vaccine. One booster vaccination then gives you another five years of protection against the FSME/TBE virus. If you are over 60 years old, the booster will only give you three years of protection.
Please note! This vaccine does not protect against other viruses that ticks can transmit.
What are the side effects of a tick-borne encephalitis vaccination?
The tick-borne encephalitis vaccination may cause mild side effects. For example, the injection site may be painful, red or swollen. Some people experience headache, muscle pain, fever, swollen lymph nodes and nausea after the vaccination.
How much will a tick-borne encephalitis vaccination cost?
If you have supplementary health insurance, a tick-borne encephalitis vaccination will in some cases be covered by your health insurance. Check with your health insurance company whether the vaccination is (partially) covered. For more information on costs, please visit our prices page.
Questions or schedule an appointment?
Have you not had a tick-borne encephalitis vaccination before? In that case, keep in mind that there is at least six months between the three vaccinations. Therefore, book an appointment well in advance if you want to get the vaccination because you will be travelling (whether or not to a high-risk area).
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.
Diphtheria, Whooping cough, Tetanus and Polio
Diphtheria
What is diphtheria?
Diphtheria is caused by bacteria that produce a powerful toxin. This toxin damages tissues around the part of the body where the infection takes place. For example, it can damage the skin or lungs, as well as the heart, nervous system or kidneys. Which symptoms a person gets depends on where the toxins damage the body. The two bacteria that cause most diphtheria infections are Corynebacterium diphtheriae and Corynebacterium Ulcerans.
The time between infection and the first symptoms of illness is usually two to five days and never more than seven days. If the infection is limited to the nose, the disease often progresses mildly. In the case of skin diphtheria, sores develop on the skin. If the infection goes beyond the nose, for example to the throat or lungs, one may become very sick and short of breath. In some cases, the toxins can damage the heart muscle or nervous system. The disease can be fatal but is treatable with drugs.
How do you get diphtheria?
The diphtheria bacterium spreads from person to person through the air by, for example, coughing or sneezing. The bacteria can also spread through direct contact, for example through kissing or open wounds. The bacteria can sometimes also be found in animals. The majority of known diphtheria infections occur in India, but it also occurs in Nepal, Indonesia and Brazil.
Whooping cough
What is whooping cough?
Whooping cough is a respiratory infection caused by bacteria. Characteristic of whooping cough are coughing fits that can last up to three to four months. The first symptoms of whooping cough resemble a normal cold and occur between seven and 10 days after infection. These symptoms are followed by coughing fits that can eventually lead to pneumonia. During the coughing fits, tough mucus is often coughed up. Whooping cough can be very dangerous for young babies. Babies are at risk of oxygen deprivation and brain haemorrhage. This can eventually cause brain damage.
How do you get whooping cough?
The whooping cough bacteria spread through coughing. Having experienced whooping cough in the past does not protect against a subsequent infection.
Tetanus
What is tetanus?
Tetanus is caused by toxin-producing bacteria (Clostridium tetani). The tetanus bacteria enter the body through a wound. There are usually three to twenty-one days between infection and the first symptoms, but this can be several months in some cases. Tetanus can cause stiffness around the infected wound and severe muscle cramps. The muscle cramps can lead to breathing problems and cramping. These cramps can get so bad that the body contorts like a hoop. The disease can cause bone fractures and heart problems. If tetanus is not treated properly, it is fatal.
How do you get tetanus?
Infection can occur through an open wound if it comes into contact with, for example, street dirt, manure or soil. This can be direct, for example by a fall on the street, but also indirect, for example by the bite of an animal with street dirt in its mouth. the disease cannot be transmitted from person to person.
Polio
What is polio?
Polio can be caused by three different types of polio viruses. Most people do not notice any infection or experience only flu-like symptoms. On average, the first symptoms start between seven and 14 days after infection. In a small group, the virus enters the spinal cord via the bloodstream, where it can damage nerves. Depending on the location of the damage, this can lead to (permanent) paralysis or death.
How do you get polio?
Poliovirus can spread from person to person. This can be through the mouth (talking or shouting) or through the faeces of an infected person. A person who is infected can contaminate other surfaces or food by not washing their hands properly after going to the toilet.
Vaccination against diphtheria, whooping cough, tetanus, and polio
Since 1962, vaccinations against diphtheria, whooping cough, tetanus, and polio have been included in the National Immunization Program for children. Later in life, a booster vaccination may be necessary, for example when traveling or for certain occupations. The protection lasts between five and ten years, depending on the vaccine. Based on your vaccination history and destination, we are happy to advise which booster you need. You can get the DTP vaccine, the DKT vaccine, or a separate polio vaccination with us.
DTP vaccination
The DTP vaccine protects against diphtheria, tetanus, and polio. A booster shot for diphtheria and tetanus is recommended every ten years to maintain protection. For polio, the primary vaccination usually provides lifelong protection. Only when traveling to countries where polio still occurs or where a recent vaccination is required, an additional dose may be necessary.
DKT vaccination
The DKT vaccine protects against diphtheria, whooping cough, and tetanus. A booster every ten years is also advised for diphtheria and tetanus. Protection against whooping cough is shorter, lasting about five years. This vaccine is often recommended for pregnant women, healthcare workers, or others who come into contact with young babies or vulnerable individuals.
Polio vaccination (separate)
A separate polio vaccination is only necessary if you are traveling to a country where a recent polio vaccination is mandatory. If you completed the full primary series in childhood, you are generally protected for life, and boosters are usually not required.
Side effects
These vaccinations may cause mild side effects such as redness, swelling, or pain at the injection site. Sometimes mild flu-like symptoms occur, including fatigue, headache, or a slight fever. These symptoms usually disappear within a few days.
Costs and reimbursements
For children, these vaccinations are free through the National Immunization Program. Adults pay for booster vaccinations themselves unless these costs are (partially) reimbursed by supplementary health insurance. You can find the current prices on our pricing page.
Any questions or want to book an appointment?
Haven’t had a DKTP vaccination before? Then keep in mind that there is a total of at least seven months between the three vaccinations. Therefore, book an appointment well in advance if you want to get the vaccination for a trip (whether or not to a high-risk area).
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.