Apart from the National Immunisation Programme (Rijksvaccinatieprogramma or RVP), other vaccinations are also available to protect your child against infectious diseases. These vaccinations are often recommended to travellers or people who have a greater risk of consequences if they catch these diseases. But they can also offer additional protection to children in the Netherlands. These vaccinations are not free; you need to pay for them.
These are some other infectious diseases that children can be vaccinated against:
The DTaP vaccination protects against diphtheria, whooping cough (pertussis) and tetanus. Children receive the injection from the age of 5 years. This is a repeat vaccination against these diseases. Before that, children received the DTaP-IPV - HBV vaccination at 3 months, 5 months and 12 months old. At the age of 14 years, children are given a repeat vaccination against diphtheria, tetanus and polio (DT-IPV).
The DT-IPV vaccination protects against diphtheria, tetanus and polio. Children get the vaccination in the year they turn 14. This is a repeat vaccination against these diseases. The first vaccinations were given before the child’s first birthday. Children received a repeat vaccination against diphtheria, tetanus and whooping cough (pertussis) from the age of 5.
A side effect is an undesired effect of a medicinal product or vaccine. Examples of side effects include a mild fever or a sore arm. In addition, the injection site may be a bit red or swollen. Small children can also become listless or tearful. These side effects are generally mild and go away on their own within a few days. Serious side effects are very rare.
Side effects are constantly being studied. That is why we are aware of most of the side effects related to vaccines. Read more on the page about research on side effects, or on the website of the Pharmacovigilance Centre Lareb. Are you unsure about whether you want to have your child vaccinated, because of the possible side effects? Check out the page on doubts about vaccination.
The MMR vaccination protects against mumps, measles and rubella. Children receive the MMR vaccination at 14 months, and a repeat vaccination around 3 years. It is possible to get the MMR vaccination sooner, for example if you are planning to travel outside the Netherlands.
The pneumococcal vaccination protects against different types of pneumococci bacteria. That means it protects against some forms of meningitis, pneumonia, blood poisoning and middle ear infection. Children receive the pneumococcal vaccination at 3 months, 5 months and 12 months.