As the weather starts cooling down, more people around you might be falling ill. To decrease the chance of getting sick yourself, you could consider getting vaccinated. Vaccinations against coronavirus or the flu are mainly recommended for high-risk groups such as people who are 60 years old and older or those with certain health conditions. Here’s what you need to know about getting vaccinated against respiratory infections in the Netherlands.

Vaccinations in the Netherlands

Every year during the months of September, October and November, select groups of people are invited to get vaccinated against the flu. During this period every year, around 6 million people are invited to be vaccinated. 

In addition, a new round of vaccinations for COVID-19 began on September 16. Vulnerable groups are prioritised and include people aged 60 and over, workers in healthcare, and children and adults with certain health conditions. 

People in the target groups who are encouraged to get vaccinated against the flu and coronavirus will receive invitations from their GPs or the municipal health service (GGD). If you are in the target group for vaccines, the vaccinations will most likely be free.

COVID-19 vaccinations in the Netherlands

From September until December 2024, people living and working in the Netherlands can get the new round of coronavirus vaccinations. The first invitations would have been sent to people aged 60 and over in August of this year. Other eligible groups need to make an appointment with the GGD themselves to get vaccinated. 

What are the target groups for the COVID-19 vaccination?

The following people are encouraged to get the new round of coronavirus vaccines:

• People aged 60 years and over
• People between the ages of 18 and 59 who receive the annual flu vaccine
• Healthcare workers
• Adults and children with medical conditions who are more likely to get seriously ill from coronavirus

It is no longer necessary for women to get vaccinated against coronavirus if they are pregnant. According to the Health Council of the Netherlands, this is because most of the population already has a broad immunity against the virus and new variants are not as severe.

How to get COVID vaccine if you're not in the target groups

If you are not considered an at-risk individual like those in the target groups but want to get vaccinated for other reasons, such as to protect family members who are at risk of contracting coronavirus, then you need a referral from your doctor. This will then allow you to make an appointment with the GGD to get the vaccine.

Flu vaccines in the Netherlands

Everyone who is 60 years and older, pregnant, or with certain health conditions will automatically receive an invitation to get a flu vaccine from their GP. This happens every year in the autumn to protect vulnerable people in the lead-up to the cold winter months. For those in this group, vaccinations are free.

To get the flu jab if you’re not eligible, you can ask your doctor for a referral for the vaccine. This would require you to pay for the vaccine yourself, unless it is covered by your health insurance provider, which could cost around 39 euros.