Vaccinations in the Netherlands: Everything International Parents Need to Know

Confused about vaccinations in the Netherlands? You're not alone — it's one of the most asked questions in every expat parenting group. This week I'm joined by Youth Healthcare physician Dr. Marenne van Hengel Budde for a complete, plain-English guide to the Dutch vaccination system — from pregnancy through to age 14, and everything in between.

We cover the full Dutch National Immunisation Programme (RVP), why chickenpox isn't on the Dutch schedule, the BCG tuberculosis vaccination that surprises many international families, meningitis B, travel vaccinations, and how to check your child's vaccination record online in minutes.

IN THIS EPISODE:

The Dutch National Immunisation Programme — who runs it, how it works, and why your GP is probably not involved

Every vaccine on the schedule — from the whooping cough vaccine in pregnancy to the HPV vaccine at age 9, including the new RSV antibody (September 2025) and rotavirus vaccine (added 2024)

Chickenpox — why it's not in the Dutch programme, what to do if you want it privately, and why age 12 matters

BCG tuberculosis vaccine — who receives it, how the automatic invitation works, and what to expect from the skin reaction

Meningitis B — why it's not included in the Dutch programme and how to access it privately (and what it costs)

Travel vaccinations with babies and young children — where to go and how far in advance to plan

How to check your child's full vaccination record online at mijn.rivm.nl — in under 2 minutes

Missed a vaccination window? Here's what actually happens (it's probably not as bad as you think)

Arriving from abroad with an existing vaccination schedule — do you have to start again? No. Here's how it works.

ALL LINKS AND RESOURCES:

🔗 Dutch National Vaccination Programme (English): https://www.rivm.nl/en/dutch-vaccination-programme

🔗 Check your child's vaccination record online: https://mijn.rivm.nl

🔗 JGZ parental portal (online environment of the Youth Healthcare Centre): https://www.mijnkindgegevens.nl

🔗 DigiD (needed to log in to mijn.rivm.nl): https://www.digid.nl

🔗 KNCV TB Foundation — high-risk TB country list: https://www.kncvtbc.org

🔗 GGD — find your local office for BCG and travel vaccinations: https://www.ggdghor.nl

🔗 LCR Travel Vaccination Advice (enter destination country for required vaccines): https://www.lcr.nl

🔗 Private vaccination centres in the Netherlands (incl. chickenpox / varicella): https://www.vaccinatiecentrum.nl

🔗 RIVM contact (to request vaccination record by email or post): https://www.rivm.nl/en/contact