Chicken Pox
Chickenpox
What is chickenpox?
Chickenpox is caused by a virus. 95% of children in the Netherlands become infected with the chickenpox virus during their childhood. When infected, they may develop mild flu-like symptoms and after one or two days, red bumps will appear on the skin. The blisters that appear afterwards cause a lot of itching. After about 10 days the symptoms disappear and after seven days the blisters dry up. In most cases, people do not get very ill; sometimes serious complications such as encephalitis can develop.
The chickenpox virus remains in the body and can become active again later in life. The virus can then cause shingles.
How do you get chickenpox?
Chicken pox is highly contagious and is transmitted by coughing, sneezing and talking. A person is contagious as early as two days before the blisters appear; this continues until all the blisters have a scab. A person can also become infected through contact with the fluid from the blisters.
What can you do to prevent chickenpox?
It is difficult to protect yourself from chickenpox. This is because a person is contagious two days before symptoms appear. You can get vaccinated against chickenpox.
What protection does the chickenpox vaccination offer?
The chickenpox vaccination consists of two shots and can be given from the age of 12 months. The second dose is given four weeks after the first dose. The vaccination provides protection for at least 14 years.
How much will a chickenpox vaccination cost?
The cost of a chickenpox 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 prices, please visit our prices page.
Questions or schedule an appointment?
Do you have questions or would you like to book an appointment for a personal consultation? Use the button below, email us at info@vaccinatiecentrum.nl or call 085-9020303.
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.
Pneumococci
Pneumococcal disease
What is pneumococcal disease?
Pneumococci are bacteria of which there are more than ninety different types. People can carry the bacteria in the nose without becoming ill themselves. An infection with the pneumococcal bacteria can be the cause of various diseases, which in that case are called pneumococcal disease. In young children it often involves ear infection, sinusitis and/or bronchitis. In elderly people over 60, it often involves sudden pneumonia.
In some cases, the bacteria can enter the bloodstream. This is known as invasive pneumococcal disease from which a person can become seriously ill. In children under 5 years of age, invasive pneumococcal disease can cause blood poisoning or meningitis. Depending on the disease, the symptoms of pneumococcal disease also differ.
How do you get pneumococcal disease?
The bacteria are spread by coughing or sneezing. Children under the age of five, people aged 60 and over and people with reduced immunity are particularly at risk of pneumococcal disease.
Other high-risk groups include those with (functional) asplenia, those with a cochlear implant, those with (traumatic) liquor leakage/fistula and immuno-compromised individuals.
What can you do to prevent pneumococcal disease?
You can be vaccinated against pneumococcal disease. There are different vaccinations that protect against the various types of pneumococci. Depending on your age and health, the recommended vaccine may differ. We will be happy to give you personal advice on this.
What protection does the pneumococcal vaccination offer?
Vaccinatiecentrum.nl offers three different vaccinations against pneumococcal disease. Pneumovax 23 is the vaccine that has also been offered in the Dutch National Vaccination Programme to everyone aged 60 and over since 2020. This vaccine offers five-year protection against 23 types of pneumococcal disease. In addition, we also offer Prevenar13. This vaccine offers lifelong protection against 13 types of pneumococci. Finally, we offer Apexxnar. This vaccine offers lifelong protection against 20 types of pneumococci.
What are the side effects of a pneumococcal vaccination?
The pneumococcal vaccine may cause mild side effects. For example, the injection site may be painful, red or swollen. Mild fever and muscle pain also occur; this usually goes away within two days.
How much will a pneumococcal vaccination cost?
People aged 60 and above have been invited to be vaccinated against pneumococcal disease through the national vaccination programme since 2018. Because not all elderly people can be vaccinated at once, this will be done in stages until 2024. Are you under 60 or don’t want to wait for your invitation? You can also get vaccinated at your own expense. If you have supplementary health insurance, a pneumococcal vaccination may be covered by your health insurance, consult your health insurance company about this. For more information on our prices, please visit our prices page.
Questions or schedule an appointment?
Do you have questions or would you like to book an appointment for the pneumococcal vaccination? Use the button below, email us at info@vaccinatiecentrum.nl or call 085-9020303.
Cervical cancer (HPV)
Cervical cancer (HPV)
Cervical cancer can be caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV). In total, there are more than 100 HPV types. Some of these are high-risk HPV types which can cause (preliminary stages of) several types of cancer. There are also low-risk HPV types that can cause other illnesses such as genital warts.
The most common type of cancer caused by HPV is cervical cancer. HPV can also cause cancer in the vagina, labia, anus, penis, mouth or pharynx. Every year, nearly 1,000 women and 500 men in the Netherlands get cancer caused by the human papillomavirus.
How do you get HPV?
HPV is sexually transmitted and highly contagious. 80-90% of people are infected with HPV once in their lifetime. Often this is without symptoms. Sometimes the virus is not neutralised by the body and remains present in the body. This can lead to cancer or genital warts.
What can you do to prevent HPV?
In the Netherlands, the HPV vaccination for children is part of the National Vaccination Programme (RVP). Girls turning 13 receive an invitation to get two free HPV vaccinations. However, the vaccine used within the RVP does not protect against genital warts. Since 2022, girls as well as boys turning 9 years old will receive the vaccination.
If you have not yet had the HPV vaccination but are not eligible for a vaccination through the RVP, you can be vaccinated at vaccinatiecentrum.nl. You can also be vaccinated at our clinic if you want to be protected against more types of the HPV virus than the vaccination via the RVP provides.
What protection does the HPV vaccination offer?
The human papillomavirus vaccination consists of two doses. There is six months between the two doses. The vaccine provides at least 7.5 years of protection, as far as is known now. The vaccine we use at vaccinatiecentrum.nl offers protection against more types of HPV than the vaccine used in the National Vaccination Programme.
What are the side effects of an HPV vaccination?
The HPV vaccination may cause mild side effects. For example, the injection site may be painful, red or swollen. You may also experience itching or muscle pain around the injection site. Some people have mild flu symptoms after the vaccination, such as fever, fatigue, headache, abdominal pain and nausea.
How much will an HPV vaccination cost?
For more information on the prices of an HPV vaccination, please visit our prices page.
Questions or schedule an appointment?
Do you have questions or would you like to book an appointment for a personal consultation? Use the button below, email us at info@vaccinatiecentrum.nl or call 085-9020303.
Shingles (Shingrix vaccination)
What is shingles?
Shingles, also known as herpes zoster, is an infectious skin disease characterised by painful blisters on one side of the body. The blisters form a sort of belt over the body, hence the name. Shingles often affects one arm or leg or one half of the face, back or chest.
The disease progresses in stages. At first, an unpleasant sensation develops at the spot where the blisters will later appear. This can be pain, but also tingling, itching or a burning sensation. A few days later, small, red blisters appear. These blisters are filled with fluid and can cause a lot of pain and itching. After about seven to 10 days, the blisters dry into scabs, but new blisters may appear after a week since the appearance of the first blisters. In some cases, no blisters appear at all and there is only itching and pain. Shingles on the face can additionally lead to impaired vision.
After the blisters disappear, (severe) pain in the affected area may persist for some time. This is called post-herpetic neuralgia, or nerve pain after shingles. The nerve pain that can be caused by shingles is due to the inflammation of sensory nerves.
How do you get shingles?
The cause of shingles is the chickenpox virus. Once a person has had chickenpox, the virus remains in an inactive form in the body. Eventually, however, this virus can become active again. This usually happens when someone temporarily suffers from reduced immunity. Reduced immunity can have several causes, including:
- Sleep deprivation;
- Prolonged stress;
- An unhealthy diet;
- Medication, including chemotherapy and prednisone;
- Congenital immune disorders;
- Infectious immune disorders, including AIDS;
- Autoimmune disorders.
Reduced immunity is not the only factor involved in the development of shingles. When a person is over 60 years old, the risk of contracting shingles increases and the symptoms are generally worse. A person who has had shingles in the past has an increased risk of getting it again.
An adult who has never had chickenpox will first get chickenpox when infected with the chickenpox virus and cannot get shingles right away. Shingles cannot be contracted directly when a person has not had chickenpox first. After this, the virus remains inactive in the body, as in people who have had chickenpox as a child. From then on, it is possible to get shingles in the future.
What can you do to prevent shingles?
There is a vaccine available that helps prevent shingles and nerve pain after shingles. This vaccine, called Shingrix, is specially designed for people who have had chickenpox before.
The Shingrix vaccination is used for:
• Adults aged 50 and above;
• Adults aged 18 years and over at higher risk of developing shingles.
The vaccine is intended for people aged 18 and above.
How does the shingles vaccine work?
The vaccine contains proteins from the surface of the virus that causes shingles. The vaccine also contains a number of substances that enhance the immune system’s response to the virus.
Because the body is able to produce antibodies against the virus faster after vaccination, the risk of developing shingles is significantly reduced. Clinical studies have shown Shingrix to be 90% effective in preventing shingles in people over 50 years old The vaccine can also prevent the development of nerve pain. In many countries, Shingrix is widely given to elderly people aged sixty and above.
What protection does the shingles vaccination offer?
The shingles vaccination consists of two doses. The second dose is given within two to six months of the first dose. A booster vaccination is usually not necessary, but may be given if desired or when necessary.
How much will a shingles vaccination cost?
If you meet some (strict) conditions, a shingles vaccination (Shingrix) may be reimbursed by your (Dutch) basic health insurance. If not, the vaccination is at your own expense. For more information, please visit our prices page.
Any questions or want to book an appointment?
Do you have questions or would you like to book an appointment for a shingles vaccination? Use the button below, email us at info@vaccinatiecentrum.nl or call 085-9020303.
Tuberculosis
What is tuberculosis?
Tuberculosis (TB) is caused by a bacterium. The bacteria can be anywhere in the body. The incubation period is eight weeks to a lifetime and about one in 10 people become ill. Pulmonary tuberculosis is the most common type and can cause the following symptoms:
- Coughing;
- Mucus when coughing, sometimes with blood;
- Reduced appetite;
- Fatigue;
- Fever;
- Difficulty breathing;
- Night sweats.
How do you get tuberculosis?
A person with open TB can transmit the bacteria by coughing. We call it open TB when a person has the bacteria in his or her lungs.
What can you do to prevent tuberculosis?
In specific cases, you can be vaccinated against tuberculosis. Other than that, avoid people who cough and poorly ventilated rooms. If tuberculosis is suspected or at increased risk, we can perform a screening for tuberculosis. We perform a tuberculosis screening by means of a skin test (Mantoux). We advise travellers to get checked for tuberculosis in the following cases:
- If you spend more than three months in high-risk areas;
- If you regularly take short trips to high-risk areas;
- When you think you have been exposed to tuberculosis (in local public transport, while staying with locals or through contact with sick, coughing people).
Tuberculosis vaccination information
There is a vaccine against tuberculosis. This tuberculosis vaccination is only administered in specific cases and this can only be done at the tuberculosis service of the GGD. At vaccinatiecentrum.nl you can have a tuberculosis test done eight weeks after your trip. This will tell you whether you contracted tuberculosis during your trip.
What does a tuberculosis test cost?
The Mantoux test for a possible tuberculosis infection is in most cases covered by your supplementary health insurance. For more information on costs, please visit our prices page.
Questions or schedule an appointment?
Do you have questions or would you like to book an appointment for a tuberculosis test? Use the button below, email us at info@vaccinatiecentrum.nl or call 085-9020303.
Japanese Encefalitis
Japanese Encephalitis
What is Japanese encephalitis?
Japanese encephalitis is a viral infection caused by a flavivirus. The first symptoms often appear within five to 15 days. In most people, infection causes no or mild symptoms. These are mainly flu-like symptoms with muscle pain and headache. In a small number of cases, the infection develops into meningitis, which can cause seizures and coma. This can eventually lead to a person’s death.
How do you get Japanese encephalitis?
Japanese encephalitis is not transmissible from human to human but spreads through the bite of a mosquito. The only mosquito that can transmit the disease is the culex mosquito. This mosquito is mainly found in the rice fields of South and East Asia and is active between sunset and sunrise.
What can you do to prevent Japanese encephalitis?
You can be vaccinated against Japanese encephalitis. Besides vaccination, it is important to take good mosquito precautions when travelling in high-risk areas. These include wearing clothing that covers you, applying a mosquito repellent such as DEET and sleeping under an (impregnated) mosquito net. Depending on your destination, how long you will stay in a high-risk area and the season in which you will travel, the risk of contracting Japanese encephalitis varies. Based on your travel plans, we will be happy to give you personal advice.
What protection does the Japanese encephalitis vaccination offer?
The vaccination against Japanese encephalitis consists of two doses. The second shot is given between one to four weeks after the first shot. The vaccination provides two years of protection. A booster after that gives ten years of protection.
How much will a Japanese encephalitis vaccination cost?
If you have (Dutch) supplementary health insurance, a Japanese encephalitis vaccination is in most cases covered by your health insurance. For more information on prices, please visit our prices page.
Questions or schedule an appointment?
Do you have questions or would you like to book an appointment for a personal (travel)consultation? Use the button below, email us at info@vaccinatiecentrum.nl or call 085-9020303.
Meningococcal disease
Meningococcal disease
What is Meningococcal disease?
Meningococcal disease is caused by bacteria called neisseria meningitidis (meningococcus). Several types of this bacterium exist. The bacterium can cause several diseases which are then called meningococcal disease. People can carry the bacteria in the nose without becoming ill themselves. The bacteria can cause a severe infection when it spreads deeper into the body. The disease worsens quickly and often starts with a cold and a flu-like feeling. After this, the symptoms quickly get worse and the individual develops a high fever. If the bacteria continue to spread to the bloodstream or nervous system, it can cause blood poisoning or meningitis. The first symptoms often appear one to three days after infection.
How do you get Meningococcal disease?
The meningococcal bacteria are transmitted from person to person via aerosols (droplets in the air). Even people who do not become ill themselves can carry the bacteria for a long time. These people are contagious even without symptoms.
What can you do to prevent Meningococcal disease?
You can be vaccinated against meningococcal disease. There are several vaccines that protect against different types of meningococcal disease. Based on your destination and health, we will be happy to give you personalised advice.
From what age can you get the meningococcal vaccination?
Since 2002, 14-month-old babies in the Netherlands receive the vaccination against meningococcal C through the National Vaccination Programme. In 2018, this switched to a combination vaccine against meningococcal A, C, W135 and Y.
Adults and the elderly can also get the meningococcal disease vaccine. At vaccinatiecentrum.nl, you can get the meningococcal B vaccination and the meningococcal A, C, W135 and Y vaccination.
What protection does the Meningococcal vaccination offer?
The meningococcal B vaccination, for anyone over two years old, consists of two doses that must be at least one month apart. For children under two years of age, this is three or four doses, depending on exact age. How long this vaccination provides protection is not yet known.
The vaccination against meningococcal A, C, W135 and Y consists of one shot. Depending on which vaccine is given, the protection will last for five or ten years. For people going on Hadj/Umrah, the validity of the vaccine is always five years.
What are the side effects of a Meningococcal vaccination?
A meningococcal vaccination may cause side effects. For example, the injection site may be painful, red or swollen. After the vaccination, you may feel unwell temporarily.
Fever is common after meningococcal B vaccination. Children younger than two years can get a high fever, especially if other vaccinations were given at the same time. You can reduce the risk of fever by taking or giving your child paracetamol beforehand.
The meningococcal A, C, W135 and Y vaccination, in addition to the side effects around the injection site mentioned above, can also cause fever and drowsiness.
How much will a Meningococcal vaccination cost?
The vaccine against meningococcal B is not in the National Vaccination Programme and is reimbursed by health insurers in some exceptions. The meningococcal A, C, W135 and Y vaccine is offered to children aged 14 months and 14 years as part of the National Vaccination Programme. At other ages, the costs are at your own expense.
If you have supplementary insurance in the Netherlands, an meningococcal vaccination is in most cases covered by your health insurance. Check with your health insurer whether the vaccination is (partially) covered.
For more information on the prices, please visit our prices page.
Questions or schedule an appointment?
For anyone over two years old, there should be at least one month between the two doses of the meningococcal B vaccine. Below this age, the vaccine consists of three or four doses. Therefore, book an appointment well in advance if you want to get the vaccination before travelling.
Do you have questions or would you like to book an appointment for a personal (travel)consultation? Use the button below, email us at info@vaccinatiecentrum.nl or call 085-9020303.
Please note!
The vaccination against meningococcal B is generally available within a few days but is not always in stock at every location. Please contact us by phone before your appointment.
Hepatitis B
What is hepatitis B?
Hepatitis B is a viral infection of the liver that occurs all over the world. Usually, a person becomes ill 2 to 3 months after infection. Symptoms are often mild or completely absent. When a person does develop symptoms, they often include fatigue, fever and jaundice. In a small number of cases, hepatitis B causes serious complications that can be life-threatening. In a small number of people, the disease does not cure on its own. In these cases, the infection with hepatitis B becomes chronic. When the disease is chronic, it can affect the liver in the long term and cause liver cirrhosis and liver fibrosis.
How do you get hepatitis B?
The hepatitis B virus can be found in semen, pre-ejaculate, vaginal fluid and the blood of an infected person. This makes the virus transmissible through sexual contact or contact with blood from an infected person. The virus can also be transmitted from mother to child at birth. Contamination can occur even by a small amount of infected blood in a wound(s). Also consider tattooing, piercing or other medical/beauty treatments. If instruments are not cleaned or replaced properly between clients, this can also cause contamination. The risk of this is higher in countries with poor sanitation.
What can you do to prevent hepatitis B?
To protect yourself against hepatitis B, you can be vaccinated. It is also wise to wear a condom during sex. This will also protect you against HIV and other STIs. Always think carefully about medical or cosmetic (tattoos or piercings) treatments in places with poor sanitation. Based on your destination and health, we will be happy to give you personal advice.
What protection does the hepatitis B vaccination offer?
The hepatitis B vaccination consists of three shots. You receive the second vaccination one month after the first and the third dose is given six to 12 months after the first. After the vaccinations, you are protected for life.
If you are vaccinated because you are at an occupational risk (for example, for a job in healthcare), you often also have to have a blood check for your employer. This happens a month after the last vaccination. For travellers, this is not necessary.
If you are vaccinated against hepatitis B, you can also opt for a combination vaccine. This vaccine offers protection against both hepatitis A and B. Depending on your needs, we will be happy to give you personalised advice.
How much will a hepatitis B vaccination cost?
In some cases, a hepatitis B vaccination is covered by your basic health insurance. For this, you must meet a number of conditions. Do you want to get the vaccination because you are travelling? Then in most cases the vaccination is covered by your supplementary health insurance. For more information on our prices, please visit our prices page.
Questions or schedule an appointment?
Keep in mind that there is a total of six to 12 months between doses of the vaccine. Do you choose a combined vaccine with hepatitis A? Then there is at least one month between the first and second dose and 5 months between the second and third dose. Therefore, book an appointment well in advance if you want to get the vaccination because you will be traveling (whether or not to a high-risk area).
Do you have questions or would you like to book an appointment for a personal (travel)consultation? Use the button below, email us at info@vaccinatiecentrum.nl or call 085-9020303.
Hepatitis A
Hepatitis A
What is hepatitis A?
Hepatitis A is an inflammation of the liver caused by a virus. The time between infection and getting sick is about 28 days. Children usually do not get sick, adults often do. The symptoms of hepatitis A start with fever, lack of appetite, nausea and abdominal pain. After a few days, the skin and whites of the eyes turn yellow, the urine is tea-coloured and the stool is the colour of putty. These symptoms persist for about two weeks. Recovery can take months, which includes complaints such as fatigue and lethargy.
How do you get hepatitis A?
The virus is found in the faeces of an infected person. If traces of contaminated faeces end up on food or in drinking water, a person who eats or drinks this food can become infected. Hepatitis A can also be transmitted through contaminated door handles, taps and towels. Hepatitis A is prevalent on many popular holiday destinations. This does not always have to be far away. For example, Morocco, Egypt and Turkey are popular holiday destinations where hepatitis A is prevalent.
What can you do to prevent hepatitis A?
You can be vaccinated against hepatitis A. It is also important to wash your hands properly and regularly. Based on your destination and health, we will be happy to give you personal advice.
What protection does the hepatitis A vaccination offer?
The hepatitis A vaccine consists of a series of two shots. After the first vaccination, you are protected for one year. After the second shot, you are protected for 40 years.
If you are vaccinated against hepatitis A, you can also opt for a combination vaccine. This vaccine gives protection against both hepatitis A and B. Depending on your wishes, we will be happy to give you personalised advice.
How much will a hepatitis A vaccination cost?
In some cases, a hepatitis A vaccination is covered by basic health insurance. For this, you must meet a number of conditions. Check this with your health insurance company.
Do you want to get the vaccination because you are going on a trip? Then in most cases this vaccination will be covered by your supplementary health insurance.
For more information on the price of a vaccination, please visit our prices page.
Questions or schedule an appointment?
Are you opting for a combination vaccine of hepatitis A and B? Then keep in mind that there should be at least one month between the two vaccinations. Book an appointment well in advance if you want to get the vaccination because you are going to travel (whether or not to a high-risk area).
Do you have questions or would you like to book an appointment for a personal (travel)consultation? Use the button below, email us at info@vaccinatiecentrum.nl or call 085-9020303.
Yellow fever
Yellow Fever
What is yellow fever?
Yellow fever is a tropical disease caused by a virus. Yellow fever is only found in certain regions of Africa and South America. In the Netherlands, there is no chance of a yellow fever outbreak because the yellow fever mosquito is not found here. Most people do not develop symptoms after infection with the yellow fever virus. Among those who do develop symptoms, the severity of symptoms can vary widely. A mild course often involves flu-like symptoms. In a severe course, the infected person develops high fever and bleeding. About 20-50% of the people who develop symptoms die.
How do you get yellow fever?
The yellow fever virus is transmitted by the yellow fever mosquito (Aedes mosquitos). When the mosquito stings a carrier of the virus (human or animal), the mosquito can become infected. Then, with subsequent stings, the mosquito can infect other people or animals. Yellow fever disease is found only in countries where the yellow fever mosquito is common. Aedes-mosquitos are active during from dawn till dusk.
What can you do to prevent yellow fever?
You can be vaccinated against yellow fever. In general it is also important to take the proper anti-mosquito measures. These include wearing clothing that covers you, applying a mosquito repellent such as DEET and sleeping under an (impregnated) mosquito net. Based on your destination and health, we will be happy to give you personal advice.
What are the side effects of a yellow fever vaccination?
The yellow fever vaccine is a live-attenuated virus vaccine and therefore has a bit more side effects than other vaccines. Between five to ten days after vaccination, you may experience fever, headache and drowsiness. Pregnant women and elderly people (>60 years old) in particular are more likely to experience side effects. Based on your personal situation, we will assess whether you can receive the yellow fever vaccine.
What protection does the yellow fever vaccination offer?
The vaccination consists of one dose and provides lifelong protection. For some destinations or situations, a yellow fever vaccination is obligatory. During the consultation, we will check whether this is the case for your destination(s).
How much will a yellow fever vaccination cost?
If you have supplementary health insurance, a yellow fever vaccination is covered by your health insurance in most cases. For more information, please visit our prices page.
Questions or schedule an appointment?
If a yellow fever vaccination is a prerequisite to enter the country you are travelling to, it must be given at least 10 days before departure. Therefore, make sure you book your yellow fever vaccination appointment on time.
Do you have questions or would you like to book an appointment for a personal (travel)consultation? Use the button below, email us at info@vaccinatiecentrum.nl or call 085-9020303.