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.
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)
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.
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.