Author Archives: Annette Smits

last minute vaccinatie

Ruben

Written by: Ruben | Published: 2 July 2026

last minute vaccinatie

Going on a last-minute trip?
Make sure to get your vaccinations in time

Your trip is booked, your suitcase is already half open, and suddenly you wonder: do I still need any vaccinations? Many travelers can relate to this. Fortunately, having little time to prepare doesn’t mean you have to leave unprotected. Even right before departure, we’re happy to provide you with helpful advice and vaccinations.

Is it still worth making an appointment right before departure?

At vaccinatiecentrum.nl, we often see travelers who stop by just before departure. The most frequently asked question: “I’m leaving soon—is it still worth it?” The short answer is usually: yes. Even if your trip starts in just a few days, a consultation can be helpful. Some vaccinations take effect quickly, others can be administered on an accelerated schedule, and personalized advice can make a big difference, especially at the last minute. And even if vaccinations are no longer an option, we’ll give you advice on how to protect yourself while traveling. We always consider your specific situation: destination, duration of the trip, and planned activities.

Which vaccinations are important for last-minute travelers?

Which vaccinations are needed depends on your destination and what you’ll be doing there. Still, we regularly see the same key considerations for last-minute travelers:

  • DTP (diphtheria, tetanus, polio) has expired for many people
  • Hepatitis A is often underestimated, even though the risk exists even on short vacations

Some vaccinations provide basic protection after just one shot. Even if completing the full series is no longer feasible, it can still be worthwhile to start.

How soon can I get an appointment?

In many cases, we can see you on short notice. A consultation usually takes twenty to thirty minutes, and we can often administer the vaccine right away during the same appointment.

Not sure if it’s still worth it? Feel free to call or email us. It’s better to check with us than to travel while feeling uncertain.

Can I travel immediately after a vaccination?

That’s a frequently asked question. In most cases, you can travel just fine after a vaccination. Sometimes you may experience mild side effects such as muscle pain or fatigue, but for most travelers, flying is not a problem.

We’ll tell you during the consultation what to expect, so you can leave well-prepared.

What if I’m too late for a full vaccination series?

Sometimes it’s no longer possible to complete the full vaccination series. Even then, we’ll explore what options are still available. For example:

  • Starting with vaccines that provide basic protection
  • Information on mosquito repellents and other preventive measures
  • Advice on medication or emergency solutions for your trip

Especially for a last-minute trip, small adjustments can make a big difference.

Are you traveling soon? We’re here to help

Are you leaving soon and not sure what’s still possible? Then please contact us. You can also come to us for last-minute vaccinations.

Schedule your appointment today, and together we’ll ensure you’re well and safely prepared for your trip.

marchel ratering

Written by: Marchel | Published: 29 October 2019

Why personal travel health advice still matters

My children buy clothes online. They try them on and return them. We no longer cook for ourselves but order food and have it delivered to our door. In healthcare, we are also increasingly shopping around, and we are all scouring the internet for cheap healthcare and special offers.

Health insurance providers are following this trend. I think that in 10 years’ time, we won’t have our own GP or dentist anymore. If you need to see a dentist or GP, you’ll log in to a website and visit a GP or dentist assigned by your health insurance provider.

In this day. where there is less and less human contact and personal attention, yet the need for it is actually growing, I think it is time to realise that we are heading in the wrong direction. I believe that small scale and the people youbtrustm are the ones who can give people the quality they need.

I always buy my household appliances from a small retailer in the town where I live. I trust the people who work there. I’ve known them for years and am convinced of their expertise.

If something breaks, I can go back and have it repaired. If I have any questions, they can answer them. The service is excellent and I always go home feeling happy.

If you’re planning a trip to the tropics, taking your children to a faraway destination, or need information about the side effects of malaria tablets, it’s comforting to know you can count on an organisation you trust and where you know the people. That way, your journey begins with personalised, expert advice.

I hope the trend in the healthcare sector will reverse. Many of the vaccinatiecentrum.nl loyal customers have been coming here for years and have trust in our knowledge and expertise. Due to the policies of insurance companies, many of these loyal customers are being forced to get their vaccinations elsewhere. Fortunately, many people are switching insurance providers so that they can continue to come to us for vaccinations and advice.

As an organisation, we are doing everything we can to ensure the quality of our vaccination services and travel advice remains high. Time will tell which direction we are heading in these uncertain times, as we find ourselves growing increasingly distant from one another.

Foto: Joseph Chan on Unsplash

marchel ratering

Written by: Marchel | Published: 14 October 2019

Avoid unpleasant surprises while travelling

Travel and holidays bring out both the best and the worst in people. To a large extent, you determine yourself how much strain you put on your body and mind. Of course, you also depend on the circumstances and on what you encounter along the way. That is partly what makes travelling an adventure.
There is a lot you can do to avoid unpleasant surprises. Getting vaccinated against diseases is an important first step, and receiving proper advice about this is essential.

There is a great deal of useful information available online to help you make informed choices. However, expert guidance remains essential. Not only when deciding whether to get vaccinated and against which diseases, but especially when it comes to understanding what it is like to travel in exotic countries.
During the preparation phase, our experienced nurses and doctors support you with practical advice based on real travel experience under primitive conditions. They help you not only with information about vaccinations and malaria, but also with understanding what happens to your body when you travel. For example, travelling and the stress that comes with it can affect your overall immune system. And your natural resistance is often your best protection against diseases in general.
In my opinion, the psychological and emotional aspects of travelling should also be discussed.
Experience, age, the duration of the trip, how the itinerary is planned — or whether there is no plan at all — all play a role.

It regularly happens that while travelling, people are overwhelmed by a sense of freedom, causing them to do things they would normally say: “I would never do that.”
Or afterwards they think: “How on earth could I have done that?”
This feeling often affects people who are travelling for several months for the first time and who underestimate the impact such a journey can have on their lives. Another factor is that travel is often idealised: it is supposed to be “fun.” Especially during long trips, feelings of loneliness, insecurity and stress can regularly arise.

In the coming period, I will try to share more about these topics.

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