Vaccination against whooping cough and flu

During pregnancy, you can receive two vaccinations — against whooping cough and flu. These vaccines protect both your baby and yourself.

Vaccination against whooping cough

Whooping cough, also known as the “100-day cough,” is caused by a bacterium. It can lead to severe coughing fits that may last for months. For babies, the infection can be especially dangerous — they may struggle to breathe and even experience respiratory distress.

Vaccination against flu

Flu is caused by the influenza virus — a contagious infection of the respiratory tract. It often starts suddenly, with high fever, headache, muscle aches, and chills. In the Netherlands, flu circulates every year, usually during the winter months.

Practical information

Where:
To receive your vaccinations, make an appointment yourself with the consultation clinic (“consultatiebureau”).

When:
You can get the vaccinations from 22 weeks of pregnancy until the end of your pregnancy.
The flu shot is only available between October 15 and March 1.

Where:
You can usually receive both vaccinations at the same location and at the same time.

Cost:
Both vaccines are free of charge.

Reliable sources on this topic:
- The whooping cough vaccine
- The flu vaccine
- The National Immunisation Programme (Rijksvaccinatieprogramma)

Baby Vaccinations

After birth, your child will be vaccinated by youth healthcare services as part of the National Vaccination Program. This program protects children against 14 serious infectious diseases. Because it is organized by the Dutch government, it is called the National Vaccination Program. Participation is free for all children up to the age of 18. Vaccination is voluntary in the Netherlands.

Read more in the article: Vaccinating your child