The vaccination schedule shows when children get their vaccinations. This is the best schedule for every child in the Netherlands, so there is no medical reason for healthy children to deviate from the schedule. The schedule will be adjusted if new vaccinations or new scientific findings become available.
Starting in 2025, the vaccination schedule will be updated. Read more on the page about Changes in the vaccination schedule from 2025.
When to get each vaccination?
|
|
Vaccination |
Protects against |
|---|---|---|
|
6-9 weeks |
1. Rota |
Rotavirus |
|
3 months |
1. Rota |
Rotavirus |
|
5 months |
1. DTaP-IPV-Hib-HBV |
Diphtheria, tetanus, whooping cough (pertussis), polio, Haemophilus influenza type B, and hepatitis B |
|
12 months |
1. DTaP-IPV-Hib-HBV |
Diphtheria, tetanus, whooping cough (pertussis), polio, Haemophilus influenza type B, and hepatitis B |
|
14 months |
Mumps, measles and rubella |
|
|
3 years |
Mumps, measles and rubella |
|
|
5 years |
Diphtheria, tetanus and polio |
|
|
10 years |
HPV (2x, 2nd vaccination 6 months later) |
Human papillomavirus |
|
14 years |
Diphtheria, tetanus and polio |
Guiding principles of the vaccination schedule
The vaccination schedule of the National Immunisation Programme in the Netherlands has been designed based on the following guiding principles:
- Vaccinations are given at the age when they provide optimal protection.
- The time between vaccinations with the same vaccine is scheduled so that protection remains optimal, even in the period between vaccinations.
- Vaccinations that can be given at the same time have been combined as much as possible to minimise the number of vaccinations and injections.
- No more than two injections at a time. The immune system can handle more, but multiple injections at the same time is not pleasant for the child.
- Aiming to achieve long-lasting protection.
- The schedule is suitable for all children in the Netherlands
Deviating from the vaccination schedule and vaccines
The vaccination schedule is the best schedule for every child. In some cases, the timing of a specific vaccination may need to be changed. Read more about deviating from the vaccination schedule.
Why is the vaccination schedule in the Netherlands different compared to other countries?
Children all over the world are vaccinated against infectious diseases. All countries have established vaccination schedules for this purpose. These vaccination schedules are generally the same. Vaccination schedules in other countries are posted online by the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) and by the World Health Organisation (WHO). The aim is always to protect children from dangerous infectious diseases as effectively as possible. Vaccination schedules in different countries depend on which infectious diseases are prevalent in that country, how the healthcare system is structured, the available resources, and the history of immunisation programmes.
Download the vaccination schedule for the Netherlands
This vaccination schedule for the Netherlands shows when your child will be offered the various vaccinations. Or download the vaccination schedules for Bonaire, Saba and St Eustatius below.