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.
The pneumococcal vaccination in summary
| Protects against | Pneumococcal infections |
|---|---|
| Given at | 3 months, 5 months and 12 months |
| Period of protection | At least 10 years |
| Most common side effects | Fever, crying, vomiting, sleepiness, diarrhoea, not drinking well and symptoms at the injection site, such as a red, swollen or painful arm |
When to get the pneumococcal vaccination
Children receive 3 pneumococcal vaccinations in the first 12 months, because pneumococcal bacteria are especially dangerous for young children. The first vaccination is effective in the short term, but long-lasting protection requires the vaccination to be given multiple times. The injections are given simultaneously with the DTaP-IPV-Hib-HBV vaccination. After receiving 3 vaccine doses, 100% of the children are most likely protected for the rest of their lives.
Children who get their third vaccination against pneumococcal disease after 1 September 2024 are given the new vaccine: Vaxneuvance. This is usually around the first birthday. This new vaccine protects children against more types of pneumococcal bacteria than the old vaccine, Synflorix. The previous vaccine protected against 10 different types. As a result of the vaccinations, pneumococcal disease caused by these 10 types is less common. Most cases of pneumococcal disease are now caused by new types of pneumococcal bacteria. The new vaccine protects children against some of these new types.
Safe vaccine
The safety of the new vaccine, known as Vaxneuvance, has been tested extensively and approved for use. This applies to all vaccines that are used in the Netherlands. You can find more information about this in the vaccine information leaflet(PDF) (page 36 and following).
No need to supplement
Children who have already had three pneumococcal vaccinations do not need to get an additional injection of the new vaccine. The previous vaccine also protects them against various types of pneumococcal bacteria. Older children have a very low risk of serious illness from the new types. The disease is also expected to spread less rapidly, since many young children will be getting the new vaccine. This means that it will not be necessary to get the new vaccine if your child has already had three pneumococcal vaccinations.
Side effects
The side effects of the new pneumococcal vaccine are the same as for the previous vaccine. Most side effects occur within a day after vaccination and are gone within a couple of days. Fever, crying, vomiting, sleepiness, diarrhoea and not drinking well are common. Your child may also have symptoms at the injection site, such as a red, swollen or painful spot on the leg.
| When? | Most side effects occur within 1 day after vaccination and are gone within a couple of days. |
|---|---|
| Happens often |
Fever, crying, vomiting, sleepiness, diarrhoea, not drinking well and symptoms at the injection site, such as a red, swollen or painful arm. |
| Happens sometimes |
|
| Good to know | Your child cannot infect others after the pneumococcal vaccination. |
Nervous about side effects
When your newborn child gets their first vaccinations, you may feel uneasy. There may be side effects. It is good to know that the vaccinations given through the National Immunisation Programme are given in many other countries as well. Studies from all those countries show that these vaccinations are safe. There are no known long-term negative effects.
The pneumococcal vaccine contains parts of 10 types of the bacteria that cause pneumococcal disease. These parts have been made harmless and cannot make you ill.
The page ‘What is in vaccines?’ provides more information on what is in vaccines. The page ‘How does vaccination work?’ provides information on how vaccinations work.
If you are planning a trip outside the Netherlands, you usually do not need to have your child vaccinated early (before the recommended age) – unless that country has a high risk of infectious diseases. Will you be travelling abroad for a short trip or a longer period, and does your child need vaccinations? Check with the youth healthcare services (JGZ) if you need to adjust your child’s vaccination schedule.
Do you have questions about vaccinations that you need for a trip outside the Netherlands? Consult the National Coordination Centre for Travellers Advice (LCR) website (in Dutch). The LCR website includes information on which vaccinations are advisable and where to make an appointment in your area.
If your child is ill, please contact the organisation that will give the vaccination. They can tell you if it is a good idea to get the vaccination right now. Sometimes the vaccination may be postponed for a bit. The vaccination is safe for children with reduced immunity.
Can children with impaired immunity get the pneumococcal vaccination?
The pneumococcal vaccination is extra important for children with reduced immunity as a result of disease or medication. The vaccination is safe for children with impaired immunity, but it may be less effective. Children with these health conditions always have their case supervised by a treating paediatrician, who can provide more information.