Coronavirus vaccination

Who can get a coronavirus vaccination

The following groups will be eligible for a coronavirus vaccination at that time:

• People aged 60 and over; 
• People aged 50 to 59 who receive an invitation for the annual flu jab;
• Children and adults in medical high-risk groups, such as people with a severe immune system dysfunction; 
• Healthcare workers who have direct contact with vulnerable patients.

Other people may also be eligible for a coronavirus vaccination, for example if they have a vulnerable family member.

The National Institute for Public Health and the Environment (RIVM) will send an invitation to receive a vaccine to people aged 60 and over. People younger than 60 who fall into one of the above groups will not receive an invitation. They can make an appointment with the municipal health service (GGD), either online or by phone on 0800 7070. Coronavirus vaccinations are provided by regional GGDs. This vaccination campaign will run from 15 September up to and including 5 December 2025.

People under 50 who receive a flu jab do not need a coronavirus vaccination

In 2025, people aged 18 to 49 who receive an annual flu jab will no longer be offered a coronavirus vaccination, as they were in 2024. This is because people in this age group are less likely to become seriously ill or die from coronavirus than people aged 50 and over.

Coronavirus vaccination at any time with doctor's referral

If you have a referral from your attending physician for one or more additional coronavirus vaccinations, you can get them from the GGD at any time of year. Telephone them on 0800 7070 to make an appointment.

If you are in the Netherlands temporarily and do not have a Dutch passport, you can get a coronavirus vaccination with a doctor's referral if you will be staying in the Netherlands for more than 1 month. If you are staying in the Netherlands for less than 1 month, you cannot get a coronavirus vaccination here.

If you are temporarily living outside the Netherlands, ask whether you can get a vaccination in the country where you are living.

Protein-based vaccine not available in autumn round of coronavirus vaccinations

A protein-based coronavirus vaccine will not be available in time for the autumn 2025 vaccination round. This is because the European Medicines Agency (EMA) has not yet approved the Bimervax vaccine produced by HIPRA. As soon as new information is available about this vaccine (in Dutch), it will be published on the RIVM website. The protein-based vaccine is intended for people who cannot or do not want to be vaccinated with an mRNA vaccine for medical reasons.

Coronavirus vaccination no longer necessary during pregnancy

The risk of becoming seriously ill with COVID-19 and giving birth prematurely is smaller than at the start of the coronavirus pandemic. This is because a large part of the population has already developed broad immunity against the virus. The Omicron variant also makes people less ill. It is no longer necessary for pregnant women to get vaccinated against coronavirus.

Coronavirus vaccination and post-COVID syndrome

Post-COVID syndrome refers to health problems that continue long after a coronavirus infection. Vaccination reduces the risk becoming seriously ill due to coronavirus. It also reduces the risk of developing post-COVID syndrome, but it can still happen. 

Much is still unclear about what causes post-COVID syndrome, what type of immunity offers protection against it, and what increases the risk of post-COVID syndrome. It is clear, however, that the risk of developing post-COVID syndrome after an infection with the Omicron variant is smaller than with other variants. That is why the Health Council of the Netherlands advises against vaccinating everyone as a means of preventing post-COVID syndrome.

People aged 60 and over, healthcare workers and people who receive an invitation for the annual flu jab can get a coronavirus vaccination in the autumn. 
If you have post-COVID syndrome and are in one of these target groups, you can get a coronavirus vaccination during the autumn vaccination campaign. 

Not everyone with post-COVID syndrome needs a coronavirus vaccination

If you have post-COVID syndrome you only need a vaccination if you are in one of the target groups for the autumn vaccination campaign. That is what the Health Council of the Netherlands says. 

Vaccination reduces the risk of hospital or ICU admission, or death due to coronavirus infection for people in the target groups. There is no evidence that these risks are higher for people with post-COVID syndrome. 

Coronavirus vaccination provides partial and temporary protection. You can still get infected even if you have been vaccinated. There is not enough evidence that vaccination stops post-COVID symptoms getting worse after a new infection.

Help prevent coronavirus transmission

Respiratory infections caused by flu viruses, coronavirus or RS virus for example can make people very ill. People with underlying health issues and older people have a higher risk of becoming severely ill from coronavirus or the flu. But a viral infection can also cause prolonged symptoms in people without underlying health issues. This is the case with post-COVID syndrome, for example.

That’s why it’s still important to follow the advice for preventing respiratory infections. This helps protect everyone, including people with health issues.

Coughing, sneezing, a sore throat and a stuffy or runny nose are signs of respiratory infection.

• Stay at home if you are ill.
• If your symptoms are mild, ask your manager if you can work from home.
• If you have symptoms, avoid physical contact with people who could become seriously ill from a cold or flu virus. Wear a face mask if physical contact is necessary, for example, when providing care.
• Cough and sneeze into your elbow, and wash your hands with soap thoroughly and regularly (you should always do this, even if you are in good health).
• Ventilate indoor spaces well.