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.
Rota-virus
What is rotavirus?
Rotavirus causes inflammation of the stomach and intestines mainly in young children. The majority of children become infected with rotavirus somewhere during their childhood. The associated symptoms are:
- Fever;
- Nausea;
- Vomiting;
- Watery diarrhoea.
Symptoms appear on average two days after infection and persist for four to six days. In some children, the disease can be severe and, in exceptional cases, a child can die from the infection. Not everyone who is infected develops symptoms. A previous infection does not grant immunity, but it does ensure a milder course in the event of a new infection.
How do you get rotavirus?
Infection happens through the faeces of an infected person. A person with rotavirus is contagious for about a week.
What can you do to prevent a rotavirus infection?
You can be vaccinated against the rotavirus. In addition, proper hygiene is important because the virus spreads through faeces. Based on your destination and health, we will be happy to give you personal advice.
When to get a rotavirus vaccination?
The rotavirus vaccine is an oral vaccine. This means it is taken in the form of a drink. The vaccine can be given to infants between 6 and 24 weeks of age. The first dose is preferably given between the 6th and 12th week and no later than the 20th week. The second dose is given at least four weeks after the first dose. The vaccination provides protection for at least two years. Please feel free to contact us with any questions.
What are the side effects of a rotavirus vaccination?
The rotavirus vaccine can cause mild side effects. About 1 to 10 in 100 vaccinated children may experience thinner than normal stools for a few days after vaccination.
How much will a rotavirus vaccination cost?
Dutch children born from 1-1-2024 recieve the vaccine for free in the Dutch National Vaccination Programme.
Is your child born before that date? The cost of rotavirus vaccination is usually not covered by health insurance. For more information on costs, please visit our prices page.
Please note!
This vaccine is generally available within a few days but is not always in stock at every location. Please contact us by phone before your appointment.
Questions or schedule an appointment?
Do you want your child to be fully vaccinated before you travel? Keep in mind that there should be at least four weeks between the two doses of the vaccine, so be sure to book an appointment on time.
Do you have questions or would you like to book an appointment for a personal consultation? Use the button below, email us at info@vaccinatiecentrum.nl or call 085-9020303.
Schistosomiasis
Schistosomiasis (Bilharzia):
Risk, Prevention and Vaccination
Schistosomiasis, formerly also known as bilharzia, is a parasitic worm infection found in parts of Africa, Latin America, the Middle East, China, the Philippines and Southeast Asia. There is currently no vaccine available against schistosomiasis. The only way to prevent the disease is to avoid contaminated freshwater. Therefore, do not swim or paddle in freshwater.
What is schistosomiasis?
Schistosomiasis is an infection caused by worms that live in freshwater. The larvae of these worms are extremely small and develop in freshwater snails. They are then released into the water in large numbers, where they can come into contact with humans. The larvae attach to the skin and can penetrate it. This may sometimes cause itching or a skin rash. Through the bloodstream, the larvae travel to other parts of the body, usually the intestinal wall or bladder wall. There, the larvae settle and lay eggs.
A few weeks after infection, when the larvae begin to settle in the body, you may experience fever, muscle pain, skin rash, shortness of breath and an irritating cough. When the larvae start laying eggs, they can trigger an inflammatory reaction in the intestinal wall or bladder wall. This may cause symptoms such as abdominal pain, blood in the urine or diarrhoea (sometimes with blood).
Most people do not develop symptoms from schistosomiasis. People who do develop symptoms, it can sometimes take months or even years before they appear.
In which countries does schistosomiasis occur?
Schistosomiasis occurs in tropical and subtropical countries. You can become infected in various parts of Africa, Latin America, the Middle East, China, the Philippines and Southeast Asia. Travellers to countries such as Nigeria, Sudan, Kenya, Malawi, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Egypt, Brazil, Suriname, Venezuela, Cambodia and Laos have an increased risk.
High-risk areas
In some areas, the risk of schistosomiasis is particularly high:
- Sub-Saharan Africa, especially Lake Malawi
- Egypt, the Nile Valley
- Brazil
- Southeast Asia, especially the Mekong River basin
Would you like to know the risks for your travel destination? Then visit our country page.
What are the symptoms of schistosomiasis?
The symptoms of schistosomiasis vary depending on the stage of the infection. Shortly after swimming in contaminated water, you may experience itching and a skin rash. Two to six weeks after infection, the following symptoms may occur:
- Fever
- Muscle pain
- Shortness of breath
- Irritating cough
In the later stage of the infection, when the worms begin laying eggs, you may experience:
- Abdominal complaints
- Blood in the urine
- Diarrhoea
- Liver problems
Is there a vaccine against schistosomiasis?
Currently there is no vaccine available against schistosomiasis. Infection also cannot be prevented by taking medication before or after exposure. If you are offered medication locally, for example by diving schools, you should therefore not take it without proper medical advice. The only way to prevent the disease is to avoid contact with contaminated freshwater.
Are you concerned that you may have been infected? At least six weeks after your last contact with freshwater, you can ask for a blood test for schistosomiasis.
How can you prevent schistosomiasis while travelling?
The only way to prevent schistosomiasis is to avoid contact with contaminated freshwater. Therefore, do not swim or paddle in freshwater. If you do come into contact with freshwater, dry yourself quickly and thoroughly. Do not allow the water to dry on your skin.
In areas where schistosomiasis occurs, check where the shower water comes from. Sometimes it is taken directly from lakes or rivers. In that case, it is advisable to avoid the shower water as well. Also make sure you only drink safe water.
Swimming in the sea or in chlorinated swimming pools is safe.
When is travel advice or vaccination advice needed?
Are you travelling to a country where schistosomiasis occurs? During your appointment at vaccinatiecentrum.nl, you will always receive personalised travel advice. The travel nurse will inform you about the risks at your destination and provide tips to help you travel safely and return home safely.
Frequently asked questions about schistosomiasis
Yes, schistosomiasis occurs in Egypt, for example in the Nile Valley. Therefore, avoid contact with freshwater.
Symptoms of schistosomiasis usually appear after a few weeks, or you may not notice anything at all. In some cases, symptoms may only develop months or even years later.
Schistosomiasis can sometimes lead to a very serious infection. Take this risk seriously and follow the preventive measures.
Schistosomiasis is spread through the larvae of worms found in freshwater. The disease cannot be transmitted directly from person to person.
There is currently no effective treatment available for schistosomiasis. The medication that was previously used is no longer being manufactured and alternatives are being sought. Therefore, it is important to avoid contact with potentially contaminated freshwater as much as possible.
MRSA
What is MRSA?
MRSA is a bacterium (staphylococcus aureus) that is resistant to methicillin and related types of antibiotics. This means that the bacteria are impervious to a large group of antibiotics, making it difficult to treat. MRSA is a skin bacterium found in many people but generally does not cause any symptoms. In people who carry the bacteria, it is usually on the skin or in the nose. In some cases, the bacteria can cause an infection and in rare cases can lead to blood poisoning, a bone infection or pneumonia.
In most cases, people do not realise they are carrying the bacteria and the body gets rid of the bacteria on its own. Treatment against MRSA is possible with antibiotics. This requires laboratory tests to determine which antibiotics the bacterium is not yet resistant to. These antibiotics can then be used to treat the person against MRSA.
How do you get MRSA and in which countries is it common?
MRSA is transmitted mainly via direct skin contact, for example through the hands. The bacteria can also become airborne through sneezing or dander. In this case, inhaling the bacteria can also lead to infection, although this is rare. MRSA is almost non-existent in the Netherlands. In other countries, the bacterium is much more common and regularly causes outbreaks in hospitals and other healthcare institutions. MRSA also occurs in pigs and calves in the Netherlands. People who frequently come into direct contact with pigs and calves are often carriers of the bacterium themselves.
What can you do to prevent MRSA?
You can prevent an MRSA infection by maintaining proper hygiene. This includes washing your hands before eating and after every visit to the toilet. In hospitals and other healthcare facilities, patients with MRSA are treated and nursed separately to prevent spreading. If you are at a high probability of being an MRSA carrier, you will be tested for MRSA when you are admitted to hospital. This applies to people who have recently been to a foreign hospital, people who regularly come into contact with pigs, veal calves or broilers because of their profession, and people who live on a farm where these animals are kept.
Can I get tested for MRSA?
You can get tested for MRSA. MRSA testing is done via a nose/throat culture. The sample is sent to the lab and you will receive the results after five business days.
Questions or schedule an appointment?
Do you have any questions or would you like to book an appointment for an MRSA test? Please send us an email at info@vaccinatiecentrum.nl or call 085 – 90 20 303.
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.
Leptospirosis
What is leptospirosis?
Leptospirosis is a disease caused by leptospires. This is a generic term for several syndromes caused by different bacteria of the leptospira family. Well-known syndromes are Weil’s disease, Mud fever and milk fever. The disease leptospirosis is characterised by flu-like symptoms. Symptoms may include sudden (severe) headache, fever, muscle and joint pain, hypersensitivity to light, nausea and vomiting. In severe cases, it can lead to disruption of kidney and liver functions or meningitis (inflammation of the brain). Weil’s disease can be fatal if treatment is not started in time.
How do you get leptospirosis?
There are a number of varieties of leptospira bacteria, each with its own host. The best-known hosts are mice and rats, but cattle can also carry leptospires. The leptospires enter the environment through urine. You can get infected by splashing cattle urine in the milking barn, consuming raw milk or swimming in outdoor water where rats live. The bacteria thrive in lukewarm, stagnant or slow-flowing water. Leptospirosis occurs worldwide. In the Netherlands, infections are most common in summer through swimming in contaminated outdoor water. Travellers can contract leptospirosis during holidays in the (sub)tropics.
What can you do to prevent Leptospirosis?
Surface water contaminated by rat urine is the main risk factor for humans. Therefore, avoid swimming in lukewarm, stagnant water. Also avoid consuming raw milk. Rat catchers and agricultural workers working around the banks of canals should take proper hygiene measures and wear protective clothing. You can also get vaccinated against leptospirosis. The vaccine registered in the Netherlands is called Spirolept.
What protection does the Leptospirosis vaccination offer?
The vaccination against Leptospirosis consists of a series of three Spirolept vaccinations in total. The first two vaccinaties have an interval of two weeks, the third vaccination follows after 4-6 months. If necessary, a booster dose could be given every 2 years.
How much will a Leptospirosis vaccination cost?
The cost of a leptospirosis vaccination is in some cases 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.
Any questions or want to book an appointment?
Do you have questions or would you like to book an appointment for a personal consultation? Use the button below, email us at info@vaccinatiecentrum.nl or call 085-9020303.
Travelers Diarrhea
What is travelers diarrhea?
Travelers diarrhea is a sudden water-thin stool often accompanied by abdominal cramps and in some cases vomiting and fever. Travelers diarrhea can cause a person to dehydrate quickly, which can become dangerous fast, especially for children. If a child has a fever or suffers from diarrhoea or vomiting for more than a day, it is recommended to consult a doctor.
Travelers diarrhea generally passes on its own. To compensate for the fluids a person loses, it is important to drink well. In addition, a salt-sugar solution such as ORS can help retain fluids. If the watery diarrhoea is bothersome, a stopping agent (loperamide) can be used for up to three days.
How do you get travelers diarrhea?
Travelers diarrhea is caused by bacteria that enter the body through contaminated food and drink. About a third of travellers to (sub)tropical regions suffer from travelers diarrhea at some point during their trip.
What can you do to prevent travelers diarrhea?
Completely preventing travelers diarrhea is almost impossible. To reduce the risk of travelers diarrhea, you can take the following precautions:
- Use bottled water and do not use tap water.
- Only drink from factory-sealed bottles or cans you open yourself or that are opened in your presence and do not use ice cubes. Drink only hot drinks made from boiled water such as tea or coffee.
- Eat only fried or cooked food and preferably do not eat raw vegetables or salads. If you eat fruit, wash or peel it yourself. If lettuce or fruit is washed in contaminated water, this can also cause diarrhea.
- Wash your hands regularly with soap and do not use the towel hanging in a restaurant. Let your hands dry in the air.
Any questions or want to book 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.
Altitude sickness
WHAT IS ALTITUDE SICKNESS?
Altitude sickness is caused by a lack of oxygen and typically occurs above 2,500 meters. The condition can develop in either a mild or severe form. In mild altitude sickness, symptoms such as shortness of breath, headaches, dizziness, vomiting, and nausea may occur. This mild form can progress to severe altitude sickness, where headaches and shortness of breath worsen and occur even at rest, particularly at night. In this case, a person will begin to feel and act increasingly sluggish, and may eventually lose consciousness. If someone in this condition does not descend immediately and receive medical help, it can lead to coma and death.
HOW DO YOU GET ALTITUDE SICKNESS?
The oxygen level in the air is lower at high altitudes than at sea level. The body needs time to adjust to this condition. If someone ascends too quickly to a high altitude without giving the body time to acclimatize, it can lead to altitude sickness. This results in a lack of oxygen in the blood, causing the previously mentioned symptoms. How susceptible someone is to altitude sickness varies from person to person. If someone has experienced altitude sickness before, the chances of it occurring again are higher.
HOW TO PROTECT YOURSELF AGAINST ALTITUDE SICKNESS?
To prevent altitude sickness, it’s important to follow these guidelines:
• Ascend slowly to altitudes above 2,500 meters.
• Do not sleep more than 500 meters higher than the previous night at altitudes up to 4,000 meters. Above 4,000 meters, do not sleep more than 300 meters higher than the night before. During the day, you can climb more than 500 meters as long as you descend to a level no more than 300 to 500 meters higher than the previous night (climb high, sleep low).
• Drink enough water.
• Allow sufficient time in your travel schedule to acclimatize, and try to avoid strenuous efforts during the first few days. Also, ensure you have enough rest days and the option for extra rest days if symptoms develop.
• Avoid alcohol or sleeping pills.
• If you have previously experienced altitude sickness or are at high risk, medication for altitude sickness (acetazolamide) may be prescribed. This medication helps with acclimatization and can also be used as a treatment for altitude sickness symptoms.
• Don’t forget that the airport you arrive at might be at an altitude higher than 2,500 meters. Altitude sickness can occur even upon arrival. In such cases, try to sleep at a location below 2,500 meters.
You can also take medication for altitude sickness. This medication can be taken once you start experiencing symptoms, or they can be used preventively. This is recommended if you are traveling to high altitudes and know you are prone to altitude sickness. During your consultation at vaccinatiecentrum.nl, you can discuss your travel plans with one of our nurses, and together you can determine if you need altitude sickness medication for your trip. We will arrange the prescription for you right away.
WHAT ARE THE SIDE EFFECTS OF ALTITUDE SICKNESS MEDICATIONS?
In less than one percent of cases, side effects occur when using acetazolamide. Consult your pharmacy for more information about these side effects.
WHAT DO ALTITUDE SICKNESS MEDICATIONS COST?
If you have supplementary insurance, the cost of altitude sickness medication may be reimbursed by your health insurance. If the medication are not reimbursed by you health insurance, you will need to pay for them yourself at the pharmacy.
In addition to the cost of the medication, we charge a fee for issuing the prescription. For more information about these costs, please visit our price list.
WHAT SHOULD I DO IF I EXPERIENCE ALTITUDE SICKNESS SYMPTOMS?
If you experience symptoms of mild altitude sickness, it is important not to ascend further until the symptoms have disappeared. Descend if the symptoms do not improve within a few days or if they worsen. In the case of severe altitude sickness symptoms, it is crucial to descend immediately and seek medical help if necessary.
It can sometimes be difficult to recognize the symptoms of altitude sickness in yourself and to assess their severity. For this reason, it is important to pay close attention to your travel companions.
QUESTIONS OR WANT TO book AN APPOINTMENT?
If you have questions about altitude sickness or would like to book an appointment for personalized travel advice, use the button below, email us at info@vaccinatiecentrum.nl, or call 085 – 90 20 303.
Influenza
What is influenza?
Influenza, also known as flu, is caused by the influenza virus. An infection with influenza can cause inflammation of the respiratory tract, causing a person to develop (high) fever, muscle aches, a sore throat, cough, headache and chills. There are many different influenza viruses and they can also change rapidly. As a result, people can get influenza repeatedly.
How do you get influenza?
The influenza virus spreads through droplets of mucus and saliva. An infected person spreads these droplets by, for example, coughing, sneezing and talking.
What can you do to prevent influenza?
Through the National Flu Prevention Programme a large group in the Netherlands receives a yearly flu vaccination. If you are not part of this group you get vaccinated at your own expense at vaccinatiecentrum.nl.
Besides vaccination, you can also prevent infection in other ways. For example, try to avoid physical contact with people who have symptoms of the flu as much as possible.
How does the influenza vaccination work?
The influenza vaccine, also known as the flu shot, is an inactivated vaccine which means it contains bits of inactivated influenza viruses. The vaccine causes the body to produce antibodies against the types of influenza viruses included in the vaccine, protecting you against the viruses. Vaccinatiecentrum.nl uses a quadrivalent vaccine, which means it provides protection against four influenza viruses that could potentially be the most pathogenic for that year.
What protection does the influenza vaccination offer?
The flu vaccination consists of one shot. Because there are many different influenza viruses and they also change rapidly, the vaccine is updated every year. for this update research is being done on which different influenza virus types are expected to be most prevalent that year. For this reason, the degree of protection may vary each year, and the vaccination does not provide long-term protection.
In general, the vaccine provides protection for six months, protecting you for one flu season against the variants circulating at that time. Usually the flu season starts in December, but sometimes it starts earlier or later. The flu shot is available from November. After getting the vaccination, it takes two weeks to reach maximum protection.
Can I get the influenza vaccination if I am pregnant?
The flu shot is safe for pregnant women and their unborn child. Women who are pregnant for 22 weeks or more during the flu season can get a free flu shot through the National Flu Prevention Programme (NPG).
New-born infants have an increased risk of complications from influenza. When women get an influenza vaccination during pregnancy, their child is also better protected after birth. This is because the antibodies produced by the mother after receiving the vaccine are passed on to the unborn child through the placenta.
How much will an influenza vaccination cost?
People with a higher risk of becoming seriously ill from an infection receive a yearly vaccination from their GP. If you are not in that group and still want a flu shot, you get one at your own expense at vaccinatiecentrum.nl.
If you have supplementary health insurance, a flu shot is sometimes covered by your health insurance.
For more information on the cost of a flu shot, please visit our prices page.
Questions or schedule an appointment?
Do you have questions or would you like to book an appointment for the influenza vaccination? Use the button below, email us at info@vaccinatiecentrum.nl or call 085-9020303.