In the Netherlands, people are vaccinated against 13 infectious diseases. This page provides links to the pages on these diseases. They include information about the most common symptoms, how you might get the disease, and how to prevent it. It also includes the vaccination schedule, showing which vaccinations are given at different ages.
The diseases that are covered by the National Immunisation Programme
Mumps
Mumps causes inflammation in the parotid glands behind the jaw, under the ears. This can lead to swelling in the cheeks. Mumps is a virus that mainly spreads through the air.
Read more about mumps
Diphtheria
Diphtheria is a serious infectious disease. Young babies and older people have the highest risk of becoming seriously ill. Diphtheria can cause serious shortness of breath and open sores on the skin.
Read more about diphtheria
Hepatitis B
Hepatitis B can cause a liver infection. Children who get hepatitis B could have a chronic infection for the rest of their lives, which is very bad for their liver.
Read more about hepatitis B
Hib disease
Hib disease is a collective term for infectious diseases caused by Haemophilus influenzae type b. Common symptoms of Hib diseases are a runny nose, rhinitis (nasal infection), sore throat, high fever and vomiting.
Read more about Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib) disease
HPV
8 in 10 people become infected with HPV at some point in their lives. HPV infections can lead to cancer of the cervix, mouth and throat, vagina, labia, anus or penis.
Read more about HPV
Whooping cough
Whooping cough causes contagious coughing fits. Whooping cough is especially dangerous for young babies. They may have a hard time breathing, and could become exhausted.
Read more about whooping cough
Measles
Common symptoms of measles include high fever and red spots on the face and body. You can catch measles through the air, for example by coughing or sneezing.
Read more about measles
Meningococcal disease
Meningococcal disease type B is caused by meningococcal bacteria. There are various types of these bacteria. The best-known are types A, B, C, W and Y. The bacteria are usually found in the nose and throat without making you sick.
Read more about meningococcal disease
Pneumococcal disease
Many people carry pneumococcal bacteria and do not become ill. Pneumococcal disease can cause middle ear infection, sinusitis and bronchitis, but it can also lead to severe pneumonia, meningitis or blood poisoning.
Read more about pneumococcal disease
Polio
Polio is also known as infantile paralysis. It is caused by three types of polioviruses. Poliovirus is spread by human-to-human transmission through contaminated food, infected faeces or contaminated water, or by small airborne droplets.
Read more about polio
Rubella
Rubella is an infectious disease caused by the rubella virus. It spreads through coughing and sneezing. It does not usually make you very ill. If you get rubella during pregnancy, there is a risk that your child will be born blind, deaf and/or developmentally delayed.
Read more about rubella
Rotavirus
Rotavirus can cause gastrointestinal infections (inflammation of the stomach and intestines). Children may become dehydrated from long-lasting or severe diarrhoea. Rotavirus infections are common in young children aged 0–2 years. Rotavirus is highly contagious.
Read more about rotavirus
Tetanus
Tetanus, also known as lockjaw, is caused by Clostridium tetani bacteria. If the bacteria get into an open wound, even a small cut, they can cause a tetanus infection. This can happen through street refuse, among other sources.
Read more about tetanus
When to get each vaccination?
The vaccination schedule shows when children get their vaccinations.