Vaccinations

Checklist for getting vaccinations

Find out which vaccinations you need

Vaccinations are compulsory or advisable for many countries in Asia, Africa, Central and South America, the Mediterranean and Eastern Europe.  In these countries you can be exposed to infectious diseases like hepatitis A, typhoid and yellow fever. The GGD’s website tells you which vaccinations are required for which country. This information is in Dutch.

However, it is important that you get personal advice. The length of your trip, the conditions under which you will be travelling, your age, health and whether you take any medication are all important factors. Make sure you contact the GGD or vaccination clinic in your municipality; they follow the guidelines for vaccinations drawn up by the National Coordination Centre for Travellers Advice (LCR). This information is in Dutch. An alternative is to contact your doctor. If they have had special training in travel vaccinations, they will be able to provide the vaccinations you need.

Get your vaccinations

Get your vaccinations in time. This can vary from 4 to 6 weeks before going on a short trip to 7 months for longer journeys or emigration. The GGD, vaccination clinic or, in some cases, your family doctor can vaccinate you. If your child needs a vaccination, the baby and toddler clinic or, in some cases, your family doctor will be able to help. Visit the LCR’s website to find out where you can get travel vaccinations in your municipality. This information is in Dutch.

Take your vaccination booklet with you

Don’t forget to take your vaccination booklet with you on your trip. The booklet is proof that you have had the vaccinations and may be needed when passing through customs. You could be refused permission to enter a country without the booklet. If you fall ill while travelling, you may need the booklet for the hospital. It can prevent misunderstanding, or even unnecessary vaccinations.

Visa applications and vaccinations

For some countries, vaccinations are compulsory. You may have to provide proof that you have had certain vaccinations when you apply for a visa. If you have any questions about this, contact the embassy or consulate of the country you want to visit. Contact details for the closest embassy or consulate (usually in The Hague or Brussels) can be found at Rijksoverheid.nl. This information is in Dutch.

Diseases for which there are no vaccines

For some diseases, especially tropical ones, there are no vaccinations. These include malaria, Ebola, dengue and legionnaires’ disease. The LCR website gives detailed information about these diseases and the preventive measures that you can take. This information is in Dutch.

Further information

Visit the GGD’s website for answers to FAQs on travel and vaccinations