Chikungunya
What is Chikungunya?
Chikungunya is a viral infection transmitted by mosquitoes, particularly the Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus. These mosquitoes are mainly active during the day. The disease occurs in parts of Africa, Asia, Central and South America, and some islands in the Indian and Pacific Oceans.
What are the symptoms?
Symptoms of chikungunya usually begin 3 to 7 days after infection. The most common complaints are: high (sudden) fever, severe muscle and joint pain—especially in the hands and feet—headache, fatigue, and skin rash. Between 72% and 97% of those infected develop symptoms. Most symptoms disappear within 1 to 3 weeks, but about half of patients may experience rheumatic-like symptoms for months or even years. Although the disease is rarely fatal, symptoms tend to be more severe in the elderly and in people with weakened immune systems.
Transmission and spread
Chikungunya is not transmitted from person to person, but through mosquito bites. A mosquito becomes infected by biting an infected person and can then transmit the virus to others. Chikungunya is primarily spread during large local outbreaks, during which up to 75% of the local population can become ill.
Prevention: what can you do when traveling?
Since 2025, a new chikungunya vaccine has been available in the Netherlands. This is the first approved vaccine worldwide for the prevention of chikungunya. The vaccine consists of a single dose of a live attenuated chikungunya virus, providing protection for at least 2 years. It is preferably administered 2 weeks before entering a risk area. Possible side effects usually appear 3–4 days later and include chikungunya-like symptoms such as muscle and joint pain, fever, fatigue, and skin rash. These symptoms typically resolve within 4 days.
In addition to vaccination, good mosquito protection measures are important when traveling to risk areas. These include wearing protective clothing, applying insect repellent such as DEET, and sleeping under a (impregnated) mosquito net. Based on your travel plans and health, we are happy to provide you with personalized advice.
Can the chikungunya vaccine always be administered?
The chikungunya vaccine is only recommended for travel to countries experiencing an outbreak. Due to the high infection rate during outbreaks, this vaccination advice applies regardless of the duration of your trip. You can check if an outbreak is occurring in a particular country on the country pages of our website.
Unfortunately, the vaccine is not suitable for everyone. It may only be given to individuals between the ages of 12 and 64. Immune system disorders or the use of certain medications may also be reasons why the vaccine should not be administered.
Questions or want to make an appointment?
Do you have questions or would you like to make an appointment for personal (travel) advice? Use the button below, email us at info@vaccinatiecentrum.nl, or call 085-9020303.
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
WHAT IS SCHISTOSOMIASIS?
Schistosomiasis (Bilharzia) is a parasitic worm infection. There are five related species that can infect humans. Worldwide, more than two hundred million people are infected with schistosomiasis. In most cases, the infection causes few symptoms.
The infection can be divided into four stages:
– Invasion stage
– Migration and maturation phase
– Phase of established infection
– Phase of severe chronic infection
During the invasion stage, the parasite’s larvae penetrate the skin. In some cases this is accompanied by itching on the skin after swimming in fresh water (a type of athlete’s foot).
The migration and maturation phase begins two to six weeks after infection. Acute schistosomiasis can develop during this phase. This is also called Katayama syndrome. This phase is often accompanied by fever. These disease symptoms are caused by the first eggs that produce the schistosoma. The symptoms consist of fever, tiredness, muscle pain, cough, shortness of breath, diarrhoea, weight loss, joint pain, redness on the skin, sometimes an enlarged liver or spleen.
The symptoms during the stage of an established schistosomiasis infection are caused by a reaction to the eggs of the parasite. The eggs can get stuck in the wall of the intestine or bladder. Symptoms of schistosomiasis in the intestines are blood and/or mucus in the stool, abdominal pain and diarrhea (sometimes dysentery). In bladder schistosomiasis we see blood in the urine. These symptoms appear several months after the initial infection.
In the phase of severe chronic infection in schistosomiasis, the eggs that were in the wall of the intestines and/or bladder have passed through the bloodstream to the liver and/or lungs. These symptoms appear months to years after the initial infection. With schistosomiasis in the intestines, this can lead to complaints of the liver, an enlarged spleen and esophagus problems. In bladder schistosomiasis, it can lead to bladder wall calcification and scarring, which can eventually lead to bladder cancer. Very rarely, the eggs pass into organs other than the bladder and intestines. For example, in the genitals or the nervous system. This can also cause long-term complaints, depending on where the eggs occur.
HOW DO YOU GET SCHISTOSOMIASIS?
Schistosomiasis occurs in fresh surface water in (sub)tropical areas. Most infections are contracted in sub-Saharan Africa, but schistosomiasis can also be contracted in other parts of Africa, parts of Latin America, the Caribbean, the Middle East, China, the Philippines and Southeast Asia.
Aquatic snails are the hosts for the parasite.
Contamination occurs when people swim in water in which these snails live or drink this (unboiled) water. The schistosomes can penetrate the skin and then spread through the bloodstream to other parts of the body. In that place they can nest and form eggs.
HOW TO PROTECT YOURSELF AGAINST SCHISTOSOMIASIS?
Schistosomiasis can be prevented by avoiding contact with fresh surface water. That means no swimming in rivers and lakes, even when the locals do.
In areas where schistosomiasis is common, it is also wise to avoid shower water when this water is taken from the lakes and rivers.
If you do come into contact with water, it is best to dry your skin immediately and do not allow it to air dry. Do this especially next to the edge of swimsuits, where water dries less quickly. It can prevent larvae that have not yet penetrated the skin from penetrating further.
You cannot prevent an infection with schistosomiasis by taking medication beforehand or right afterwards. When you are offered medication on site, for example by diving schools, you should not just take it. Vaccinatiecentrum.nl advises you to always contact a doctor after freshwater contact in the tropics to see what the best strategy is.
After exposure, we can perform a blood test for schistosomiasis at least six weeks after your return. There is no vaccine that protects against infection with schistosomiasis.
WHAT IS THE TREATMENT FOR SCHISTOSOMIASIS?
Diagnosis of schistosomiasis
If you suspect or if you have a certain infection of schistosomiasis, you can do a blood test for antibodies against the parasite at vaccinationcentrum.nl. This survey is carried out at least six weeks after the last freshwater contact. Once you have had a positive antibody test, tests will always remain positive afterwards. New infections can then no longer be detected with blood tests.
At vaccinationcentrum.nl we can in some cases also conduct research into eggs in urine or faeces. This can be done at least eight weeks after fresh water contact.
Treatment of schistosomiasis
In schistosomiasis, the drug praziquantel is usually administered. This medicine works against the adult worms and has little effect in the other stages. It is therefore pointless to take this preventively or immediately after contact with fresh water, because there are no adult worms present in the body.
In areas where schistosomiasis is common, treatment with praziquantel is sometimes performed periodically to counteract morbidity. This will not prevent new infections or infections that occurred less than six weeks ago.
People who have no symptoms, but who have had frequent contact with fresh water in an area where schistosomiasis is common, are advised to have a medical examination carried out at vaccinationcentrum.nl. This advice is given to expats, for example.
QUESTIONS OR BOOK AN APPOINTMENT?
Do you have questions or do you want to book an appointment for a (blood) test or medical examination? Mail us at info@vaccinatiecentrum.nl or call 085 – 90 20 303.
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)
Mumps
What is mumps?
Mumps is caused by a virus. A characteristic feature of mumps is a swelling of the cheek, this is because the salivary gland of the cheek is inflamed. Often, infection with mumps proceeds without symptoms. In some cases, a person may become very ill. In rare cases a person may develop encephalitis or meningitis, this happens mainly with young children. Other possible complications include permanent (unilateral) deafness, inflammation of the genital organs, inflammation of the pancreas and rheumatism.
How do you get mumps?
The mumps virus is present in the nose and throat of an infected person and spreads through airborne droplets by, for example, exhaling, coughing or sneezing. An infected person is contagious several days before the first symptoms appear.
Measles
What is measles?
Measles is one of the most contagious diseases in existence and is caused by a virus. The disease starts with symptoms such as fever, cough, rhinitis and eye inflammation. White spots may appear in the mouth. After two to four days, red spots appear and can spread all over the body. The virus can cause diarrhoea, middle ear infection and, in severe cases, encephalitis, pneumonia or convulsions.
How do you get measles?
The measles virus spreads through airborne droplets by, for example, exhaling, coughing or sneezing. An infected person can transmit the virus as soon as the first symptoms appear.
Rubella
What is rubella?
Rubella is caused by a virus. The disease often starts with general symptoms of illness such as fever, fatigue and rhinitis. About half of people develop a skin rash, often on the face, behind the ears and on the neck. In some cases, the disease can cause encephalitis, platelet deficiency or arthritis.
When a pregnant woman gets rubella, it can result in miscarriage or very serious birth defects in the baby.
How do you get rubella?
Rubella virus spreads through airborne droplets by, for example, exhaling, coughing or sneezing. An infected person is contagious a week before the first symptoms appear.
What can you do to prevent mumps, measles and rubella?
Adults born before 1965 are very likely to have had measles, anyone born in the Netherlands after 1975 has been offered the vaccination through the National Vaccination Programme. Those born between 1965 and 1975 may not have gone through measles and may not have been vaccinated, which makes this group vulnerable to measles. If someone is not sure whether they have been vaccinated or have had the disease, the advice is to get this vaccination. In this case, a blood test can also be done first.
Between 1974 and 1987, rubella vaccination was offered to girls in the Netherlands through the National Vaccination Programme. Since 1987, this vaccination has been offered to all children in the Netherlands. Since 1987, mumps vaccination has also been included in the National Vaccination Programme. Based on your destination and health, we will be happy to give you personalised advice.
What protection does the BMR (M.M.R.) vaccination offer?
Nowadays, all children in the Netherlands are vaccinated against mumps, measles and rubella (BMR/M.M.R. vaccination). In the Netherlands, children are vaccinated against this at the ages of 14 months and 9 years; for adults, the vaccination consists of one dose. The BMR (M.M.R.) vaccination provides lifelong protection.
How much will a BMR (M.M.R.) vaccination cost?
BMR (M.M.R.) vaccinations have been offered free of charge to all children in the Netherlands through the National Vaccination Programme since 1987. At a later age, you have to pay for the vaccination yourself. If you have supplementary health insurance, a BMR (M.M.R.) vaccination is reimbursed by your health insurance in most cases. For more information, please visit our prices page.
Any questions or want to book an appointment?
After the BMR (M.M.R.) vaccination, it takes three to four weeks for most people (95%) to build up sufficient protection. Keep that in mind if you get the vaccination before your 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.
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.