For the benefit of the public health the Dutch government offers an annual influenza vaccination, also called flu jab. The flu jab is for people in the age group 60 years and older and for people with certain conditions. This involves people with an extra risk of becoming seriously ill as a result of flu.
General practitioners carry out the influenza vaccination that usually takes place in the months October and November. The flu jab is administered by injection.
Because the flu virus is constantly changing, the vaccine is adjusted annually and the flu jab needs to be re-administered every year.
- If you are eligible for the flu jab, you will receive an invitation for vaccination from the general practitioner.
The flu jab is not mandatory. You decide whether you want to participate or not.
For this group of people vaccination is free of charge.
- If you are eligible for the flu jab but you have not received an invitation for vaccination from the general practitioner and you want a flu vaccination, you contact the GP practice assistant by telephone.
- If you are not eligible for the flu jab but want a flu vaccination, you can ask the general practitioner for a prescription for the vaccine. You have to pick up the vaccine at the pharmacy yourself and have its administration done at the GP practice.
The costs for the vaccine and the administering of it you have to pay yourself.
More information
More information about the influenza vaccination can be found on the website of the RIVM (National Institute for Public Health and the Environment).