The Dutch National Immunisation Programme for children of people with an asylum residence permit

Children in the Netherlands receive invitations at set times for one or more

When your child is vaccinated, they are injected with a tiny amount of a weakened virus or bacterium. Your child’s body then produces

They receive their first vaccination when they are a few weeks old. They receive their final vaccination when they are 14 years old. Most vaccinations, such as

The RIVM website provides an overview of the ages at which your child can receive a vaccination.

The

Vaccinations in the Netherlands are free. They are not mandatory.

The vaccinations are administered by a paediatrician or

The RIVM records all vaccinations. So the government knows how many children have been vaccinated. This is important to see how well the Netherlands is protected against diseases.

Vaccines in the Netherlands are thoroughly tested by an independent organisation. They are therefore safe. The jab might feel a bit uncomfortable, though.

Sometimes a child may feel a bit unwell after a jab. This is normal. The body is busy building up protection (antibodies) against the disease. A child may develop a fever, feel tired, have a reduced appetite or have a red, sore patch where they were jabs. These symptoms usually go away on their own after a few days.

Call your

The Dutch vaccination programme has been in existence for 80 years. Almost all people in the Netherlands have been vaccinated. As a result, many dangerous diseases no longer occur here.

Vaccinations are important. They are the only way to prevent diseases from spreading.

Schools may not refuse children who are not vaccinated because children must attend school according to compulsory education.

Different rules apply to

In the Netherlands, vaccinations begin as early as during pregnancy. If you are 22 weeks pregnant, you can have a vaccination against