Jorik
Jorik (nurse)
Jorik did an internship at the vaccination center at the beginning of 2025. After that, he stayed on and now mainly works at the locations in Utrecht and Wageningen.
In his free time, Jorik spends a lot of time making music. At the beginning of 2026, Jorik traveled to Iceland and really enjoyed it. Long-distance tropical trips have not worked out for Jorik yet, but they are definitely on the planning list.
Birgit
Birgit (nurse).
Birgit started at vaccinatiecentrum.nl in 2024 as an intern and joined the team as a registered nurse in 2025. She is currently pursuing advanced training to become a travel nurse, which she hopes to complete in February 2026.
As a child, Birgit went camping and travelled with her family through many European countries, often complaining about the long hikes she had to do. As an adult, she set off travelling with a backpack. She prefers the colder parts of the world, such as Scotland and Scandinavia. And yes, hiking in nature has now become one of her favourite activities.
Chikungunya
Chikungunya Vaccination: Do you need it for your trip?
Chikungunya is an infectious disease caused by a virus transmitted by mosquitoes. These mosquitoes are found in Africa, Asia, the Caribbean, Central America and South America. The disease occasionally occurs in southern Europe as well.
You can prevent a disease by avoiding mosquito bites.
Since 2025 you’ve also had the option to get vaccinated. For some travellers this may be a wise choice.
What is chikungunya?
Chikungunya is caused by a virus transmitted by Aedes mosquitoes. These mosquitoes can also carry other viruses, including dengue and the zika virus. Aedes mosquitoes are primarily found in tropical regions but nowadays people sometimes become infected by chikungunya in Southern Europe or the southern part of North America as well. When you are infected, symptoms often begin very suddenly. Chikungunya is rarely fatal.
Symptoms of chikungunya
Symptoms of chikungunya can begin anywhere from one day to two weeks after infection most people notice the first symptoms between three and seven days after infection the most common symptoms of chikungunya are:
- (sudden) High fever
- Joint pain
- Muscle pain
- Headache
- Fatigue
- Skin Rash
The symptoms usually go away after one to three weeks, except for the joint pain.
Joint pain mainly affects the hands and the feet and can last a long time some people experience this for months, but it can also last for years symptoms are often more severe in other adults and people with weakened immune system.
In which countries does Chikungunya occur?
Chikungunya is found in parts of:
- Asia
- Africa
- Central and South America
- The Caribbean
Nowadays chikungunya is sometimes also found in the southern part of North America and in Southern Europe.
The risk of infection varies by country, region and seasoned
Popular travel destinations where Chikungunya Occurs
Thailand
Mosquito-borne diseases are present in parts of Thailand. Are you travelling around or staying a for a long period? If so it’s wise to seek personalised advice.
Bali and Indonesia
Mosquito-borne diseases occur in Indonesia including Bali. Effective protections against mosquitoes is important.
Suriname
Various vaccinations are recommended to for travel to Suriname. Chikungunya may also be part of the recommendation.
Curacao and the Carribean
Outbreaks can occur in the Carribean. We’d be happy to provide you with more information.
Brazil
In Brazil the risk varies depending on the region. Personalised travel advice is recommended.
Sri Lanka/India
Chikungunya is als presents in parts of South Asia.
Is vaccination against chikungunya necessary?
There are currently two types of chikungunya vaccines available in the Netherlands. Which vaccine is most suitable and how long it provides protection varies by person and situation. Whether you need this vaccine depends on your personal situations.
Vaccinations may be advisable for
- older adults.
- people with underlying health condition.
- travellers staying for an extended period in a high risk area or an area where outbreaks occur.
- travellers who expect to be exposed to mosquitoes frequently.
In general vaccination is only recommended during chikungunya outbreaks.
During your appointment at vaccinatiecentrum.nl, the travel nurse will discuss the risks of your trip and which vaccinations might be advisable for you.
How can you protect yourself from infection?
The most important way to protect yourself against chikungunya is to prevent mosquito bites. This also protects you against other diseases transmitted by mosquitoes.
The mosquito that spread chikungunya is mainly achieved during the day, but make sure you’re well protected at night as well, as that’s when the malaria mosquitoes are most active. You can prevent mosquito bites by:
- using mosquito repellents such as DEET
- wearing protective clothing
- sleeping under an impregnated mosquito net
- avoiding areas with high mosquito populations such as stagnant water
In addition, you can choose to get vaccinated against chikungunya. Whether this is recommended for you depends on your health, travel plans and destinations. The travel nurse will discuss this with you during your appointment.
Chikunya and the tiger mosquito
One of the mosquitoes that can spread chikungunya is the tiger mosquito. This mosquito is now also found in southern Europe. In The Netherlands, the tiger mosquito is still rare, and the only know cases of Dutch people who have contracted chikungunya are those who were infected while abroad.
FAQ chikungunya
Yes, there are two types of vaccines available against chikungunya. Which vaccines is most suitable depends on the individual and the situation.
That depends on various factors, including which vaccine you receive.
Chikungunya is rarely fatal, but it can cause severe symptoms. About half of the people who become infected experience long-term rheumatic-like symptoms.
Dengue and chikungunya are very similar both diseases are transmitted by tiger mosquitoes and both causes symptoms such as headache, fever, and joint pain. However the two diseases are caused by different viruses.
Yes, chikungunya is present in Thailand. Vaccination is only recommended during acute outbreaks. Travel nurses monitor this closely and will advise you based on the current situation.
Yes, the tiger mosquito is one of the mosquitoes that can spread chikungunya.
Whether it makes sense for you to get vaccinated against chikungunya depends on your destination, travel plans and health. You will discuss this during your appointment with the travel nurse.
Get advice before you leave
Are you travelling soon? Then make an appointment at vccinatiecentrum.nl.
During the appointment, you’ll discuss your travel plans and health with a travel nurse and receive personalized travel advice.
Irma
Irma (registered travel nurse).
Irma (registered travel nurse) was born and raised in Java, Indonesia. She has been working as a travel health advisor since October 2017. After a 1.5-year break, she resumed her work as a travel health advisor in 2025 at the vaccinatiecentrum. Irma has visited countries such as Malaysia, Thailand, and Australia.
Mumps, Measles, Rubella (B.M.R./M.M.R)
MMR vaccination: when do you need it?
The MMR vaccination protects against mumps, measles and rubella. In the Netherlands, most children receive this vaccination through the National Immunisation Programme. However, there may also be reasons for adults to get this vaccine. Are you traveling to a country where there is an increased risk of measles? Or are you unsure whether you are fully protected? In that case, personal advice is recommended.
What Is the MMR vaccination?
MMR stands for:
- Mumps
- Measles
- Rubella
One vaccine protects you against these three contagious viral diseases. You are expected to have lifelong protection against measles and rubella. How long protection against mumps lasts is not yet clear.
MMR Vaccination Through the National Immunisation Programme
In the Netherlands, the measles vaccine has been part of the National Immunisation Programme since 1975. The rubella vaccine was added for girls in 1974 and for all children in 1987. The mumps vaccine has been part of the National Immunisation Programme since 1987.
Since 1987, all children have therefore received an invitation for the MMR vaccination. The MMR vaccination consists of one shot when the child is 14 months old and a second shot when the child is three years old. 95% of children are protected against mumps, measles and rubella after one shot. This is why the vaccination consists of two shots. After the second shot, 99% of children are protected.
Were you vaccinated as a child? Normally, you are well protected against mumps, measles and rubella. Were you not vaccinated or are you unsure? Then it is advisable to seek additional advice before traveling.
MMR vaccination for adults
Adults may also need the MMR vaccination. For example, if:
- you are not fully vaccinated
- you have missed vaccinations
- you do not know whether you are protected
- you work in healthcare, education or childcare
- you are planning to become pregnant
- you are traveling to a high-risk area
If you have not been vaccinated against measles and have never had the disease, vaccination is recommended before traveling. You can also opt for an antibody titer test, which can determine whether you have ever had measles.
Rubella can be dangerous during pregnancy. Pregnant women who have not been vaccinated and have never had rubella are advised to contact their GP if they suspect they have been exposed to the infection.
Mumps is spread through airborne droplets, which means young children and students are particularly at risk of infection. People who work with these risk groups are also at increased risk.
During your appointment at vaccinatiecentrum.nl, you will discuss the risks with the travel nurse and receive personalized travel advice.
The MMR vaccination as a travel vaccine
For some trips, it is advisable to check your MMR protection. Measles in particular occurs worldwide, and outbreaks occur regularly. Between 1965 and 1975, children in the Netherlands were not yet vaccinated against measles. If you were born during this period, have never had measles yourself and were not vaccinated in another way, you may therefore be at risk.
Between 1974 and 1987, girls were vaccinated against rubella. From 1987 onward, this vaccination has been offered to all children. The mumps vaccine has also been part of the National Immunisation Programme since 1987. If you completed this programme, you generally do not need a booster vaccination for rubella or mumps.
If you have not received the MMR vaccination and are traveling to an area where measles occurs, it is advisable to get the MMR vaccination as a travel vaccine. The travel nurse will advise you about this during your appointment.
Popular holiday destinations where MMR vaccination may be particularly important
For some travel destinations, extra attention should be paid to MMR vaccination. This vaccine is often recommended when traveling to destinations including:
Are you going abroad? Check well in advance whether the MMR vaccine is recommended for your destination. If you are not fully vaccinated through the National Immunisation Programme or are unsure whether you are sufficiently protected against mumps, measles and rubella, book an appointment for personalized travel advice.
MMR vaccination for children traveling abroad
Are you traveling with young children to a country with an increased risk? In some cases, it may be advisable to give the MMR vaccination earlier than scheduled. Your child must be at least six months old to receive an early vaccination. If your child is older than 14 months, you can continue to follow the standard vaccination schedule.
An early vaccination differs from the standard Dutch vaccination schedule and has implications. Personalized advice is therefore important.
Are you unsure whether you have been vaccinated?
Many adults do not know exactly which vaccinations they received when they were younger. Our nurses will review the following with you:
- age
- previous vaccinations
- destination
- length of stay
- family situation
- health situation
This allows us to provide advice tailored to your situation.
Travel well protected
Are you unsure about your MMR protection or are you traveling to a country with an increased risk?
FAQ
The MMR vaccination is usually not mandatory, but it is strongly recommended for some destinations.
This depends on your vaccination status and travel plans. Discuss this with the travel nurse.
Yes, a catch-up vaccination is often possible. Particularly if you are traveling to an area where measles occurs, a catch-up vaccination may be advisable.
This is not always immediately clear. If you are unsure, we can advise you.
The MMR vaccination can cause side effects. These are often mild, such as redness, a slight fever or tenderness at the injection site.
Dengue Fever
What is dengue?
Dengue, also known as dengue fever, is caused by the dengue virus. The first symptoms appear within three to 14 days of infection. Generally, a dengue infection progresses without symptoms. When someone does develop symptoms, they are often flu-like symptoms, such as sudden spikes in fever, headache, muscle and joint pain, nausea, vomiting, sore throat and coughing. These symptoms disappear on their own after a few days to a week. In a small percentage of cases, serious complications develop. The severe form of dengue is also called dengue haemorrhagic fever (DHF). Symptoms associated with it are dot-shaped, dark red spots on the skin (after two to five days) and bleeding of the gums, heart, nose, liver and intestines. If a person loses too much blood because of this, it can lead to shock (dengue shock syndrome) and eventually death.
How do you get dengue and in which countries is it common?
The dengue virus transmits through the bite of (Aedes) mosquitoes. The main types that can carry the virus are the yellow fever mosquito and the Asian tiger mosquito. The mosquitoes that transmit the virus are mainly active during the day. The dengue virus is primarily found in the (sub)tropics. This includes Africa, Southeast Asia, Central and South America and the Caribbean.
What can you do to prevent dengue?
You can be vaccinated against dengue. This is advised for travelers who have previously had a dengue infection because they have a greater risk of a more serious course of the infection in the event of a re-infection. People not previously infected with dengue may also be vaccinated. It is important that dose 1 and 2 are given before departure. There should be at least 3 months between these two doses. People who have previously had a dengue infection may also receive the second dose after their trip. Besides or in addition to vaccination, good anti-mosquito measures are important if you are going to travel in risk areas. These include wearing clothing that covers you, applying a mosquito repellent such as DEET and sleeping under an (impregnated) mosquito net. Based on your travel plans, we will be happy to give you personal advice.
What are the side effects of the dengue vaccine?
The dengue vaccine is a live attenuated vaccine and therefore has more side effects than other vaccines. After vaccination, local reactions (pain, redness), headache, myalgia, fatigue, malaise and fever may occur. These side effects last 1 to 3 days. After 7 to 14 days, mild symptoms similar to dengue virus infection, such as headache, joint pain and skin rash, may appear. These side effects are more common in individuals who have not previously been infected with dengue than in individuals who have previously been infected with dengue. After the second dose, there are far fewer side effects than with the first dose.
How long does the dengue vaccine protect?
The vaccination consists of two doses. There should be at least 3 months between these two doses. The duration of protection after these two doses is not yet known. Research that has not yet been published shows that antibodies decrease in the blood after 4-5 years.
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.