Meningococcal Vaccination: Protection Against Types B and ACWY
What is meningococcal disease?
Meningococcal disease is a general term for all diseases caused by the meningococcal bacterium (Neisseria meningitidis). People can carry this bacterium in their nose or throat and usually do not get sick from it. Only when the bacterium penetrates deeper into the body can the disease become severe. In the worst-case scenario, the bacterium can cause blood poisoning or meningitis. You can get vaccinated against various types of meningococcal bacteria.
How do you get meningococcal disease?
Meningococcal disease is spread from person to person through airborne droplets. Not everyone notices they’ve been infected, but even if you don’t have any symptoms yourself, you can still spread the disease. Even people who don’t get sick can carry the bacteria for a long time.
What are the symptoms of meningococcal disease?
If you do become ill after being infected with the meningococcal bacterium, you’ll often experience the first symptoms one to three days after exposure. In the early stages of the illness, these usually include:
- Cold-like symptoms
- A flu-like feeling
- Lethargy
The illness often worsens rapidly. You may develop a high fever or, conversely, a very low body temperature. You may also develop sepsis and/or meningitis. In that case, you may experience:
- Severe headache
- A stiff neck
- Vomiting
- Confusion
- Purple or red spots on your skin that do not change color when pressed
If you experience these symptoms, you must take immediate action. Meningitis and sepsis can both be fatal. Do you have a high fever or a very low temperature along with at least one of the other symptoms? If so, call your GP right away.
The Different Types of Meningococci
There are different types of meningococci; the main ones found in the Netherlands are: A, B, C, W, and Y. There are also two vaccines: a vaccine against meningococcal B and a combined vaccine against meningococcal ACWY. The meningococcal C vaccine has been part of the Dutch National immunization program since 2002. Since 2018, the program has been expanded to include the meningococcal ACWY vaccine. In May 2026, it was decided not to include the meningococcal B vaccine in the Dutch National immunization program.
The Meningococcal Vaccination
In 2002, the meningococcal type C vaccine was included in the Dutch National immunization program. If you’ve received that vaccine, you’re protected for at least ten years. Were you vaccinated outside of the Dutch National immunization program? Depending on the type of vaccine, you’re protected for five or ten years.
For some trips, you are required to get vaccinated against meningococcal ACWY. This applies, for example, to the Hajj or Umrah to Mecca. Without this vaccine, you cannot obtain a visa for Saudi Arabia. This visa requires that you were vaccinated no more than five years ago.
The meningococcal B vaccine is not part of the Dutch National immunization program. However, you can choose to get vaccinated against meningococcal B on your own. Outbreaks of this disease do occur from time to time. For example, in March 2026, there was an outbreak among students in Kent, United Kingdom.
Who should get the meningococcal vaccine?
Are you traveling to an area where an outbreak has recently occurred and do you want to protect yourself against meningococcal disease? Or are you going to Mecca and do you need the vaccine to obtain a visa? If so, get vaccinated. You can visit vaccinatiecentrum.nl for a vaccine against type B and a vaccine against ACWY.
The type B vaccine is suitable for everyone aged two months and older. Depending on your age, you’ll need two to four doses. The vaccination consists of a single shot. This vaccine has been part of the Dutch National immunization program since 2018. Children who participated in this program are already protected. If you were born between 2002 and 2018, you were only offered the type C vaccine.
What are the side effects of the meningococcal vaccine?
The meningococcal vaccine can cause side effects. The injection site may become red, painful, or swollen. You may also feel unwell for a while. Fever is common after the type B vaccine, especially in children younger than two years old. You can reduce the risk of fever by taking paracetamol or giving it to your child. After the ACWY vaccine, you may experience a fever or drowsiness.
How much does the meningococcal vaccine cost?
Children between 14 months and 14 years of age can receive the ACWY vaccine for free through the Dutch National immunization program. In most cases, the type B vaccine is not covered by health insurance.
In some cases, you may receive (partial) reimbursement for the meningococcal vaccination through your supplemental health insurance. In all other situations, you are responsible for the costs. Check your insurance to see what your health insurer covers.
You can find the most up-to-date overview of vaccine prices on our prices page.
FAQ
That depends on which vaccine you receive. The ACWY vaccine provides protection for five or ten years. Little is known about how long the type B vaccine provides protection. Results from the United Kingdom indicate protection for at least two years.
The ACWY vaccine is suitable for children as young as 6 weeks old. For children, vaccination around 14 months of age is often considered the ideal time. The minimum age for the type B vaccine is two months.
You can protect yourself against meningococcal disease by getting vaccinated. During your appointment at vaccinatiecentrum.nl, you can discuss with the travel nurse whether this vaccine is recommended in your situation.
Pneumococci and meningococci are both bacteria that can cause disease.
Both bacteria are transmitted from person to person via airborne droplets. The severity of the disease varies depending on the type. Severe meningococcal disease can lead to meningitis and/or sepsis. In severe cases of pneumococcal disease children can also develop meningitis and/or sepsis, while severe pneumonia is most common in people over 60 years of age.
Pneumococci and meningococci are two different types of bacteria. That is why you need different vaccines to protect yourself against both.
You can visit vaccinatiecentrum.nl for various vaccines against pneumococcal diseases.
You can find the most up-to-date overview of vaccine prices on our prices page.
Want to make an appointment?
Would you like to get vaccinated against meningococcal B and/or ACWY, or would you like to learn more about these vaccines? If so, make an appointment at vaccinatiecentrum.nl. During your consultation, a travel nurse will review your travel plans with you and provide personalized travel advice. You can receive these vaccines at any of our locations.
The type B vaccine is not routinely in stock at every location, but it is usually available within a few days. If you’d like this vaccine, please contact us by phone before making your appointment.