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.
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.
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.
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 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.
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 50 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.