Meningococcal (meningitis) vaccination
This page tells you all about meningococcal disease and vaccination against it at Vaccination Point. Are you travelling to a region where you are at risk of infection? Then schedule your appointment at one of our locations on time and travel safely.
What are meningococci?
Meningococcal disease (meningococcal meningitis) is a disease caused by the bacterium 'meningococcus'. Meningococci are transmitted through close contact with infected persons, such as through coughing, sneezing or sharing drinking utensils.
Where does it occur?
Meningitis occurs all over the world. In parts of West, Central and East Africa, meningitis occurs in epidemics during the dry season. Epidemics also occur occasionally in other parts of the world. If you have intensive contact with local people in these areas for an extended period of time, you are at increased risk.
Symptoms and risks
When infected with meningococcal meningitis, the meninges become inflamed. The symptoms of meningitis start with flu-like symptoms such as high fever, muscle pain, vomiting, headache and neck stiffness (pain in the neck when the head is bent). The disease can be very severe and sometimes cause death. For meningococcal disease, there is an incubation period of 2 to 10 days. This is the time between becoming infected and becoming ill.
Vaccine series
One-off
Protection duration
10 years
Risk areas
Worldwide
Vaccinating against meningococcal disease
At Vaccination Point, you can get vaccinated against meningococcal disease as a preventive measure. This protects you against four groups of the bacteria that cause meningococcal disease: bacteria A, C, W135 and Y.
In adults, the vaccine is administered in a single injection into the shoulder muscle. In children younger than two years, it can be injected into the thigh muscle. With the meningococcal vaccine, you are protected for 10 years. It is important to check whether meningococcal vaccination is mandatory or recommended for your travel destination and to make an appointment for vaccination in time.
Want the meningococcal vaccine for a visit to Mecca in Saudi Arabia? Then take a look at our Mekkapagina. Here you will find all information regarding vaccination for your pilgrimage, including the mandatory meningococcal vaccination.
Costs and fees
For the current cost of the single meningococcal (meningitis) vaccination, please take a look at the rates page. Please note! These amounts do not include (telephone) consultation fees. Depending on your health insurance, (part of) the vaccination may be reimbursed. See our fees page for possible reimbursement through your insurance.
Make an appointment immediately!
Wondering if you need a meningococcal (meningitis) vaccination for your trip? Then make an appointment now at a Vaccination Point location near you and receive personalised travel and vaccination advice!
- Appointment made in one minute
- Also available evenings and weekends
- Reimbursed via your insurer
- LCR-registered
- 60+ locations in the Netherlands
Still have questions?
Do you still have questions about vaccinations at Vaccinatiepunt? Then take a look at the frequently asked questions below!
You can always check our website first for each destination. Then you can make an make an appointment. Our team will process your application; if it turns out that you do not need vaccinations, the appointment will be cancelled.
Ultimately, you decide for yourself. Vaccination Point can only advise which vaccinations are necessary for your trip or which vaccinations are recommended.
This is certainly possible. Almost all vaccinations can be given at the same time. With live attenuated vaccines, however, it is not recommended to take them at the same time, as this can significantly reduce the duration of protection of a vaccine. It is then recommended to leave at least four weeks between the two vaccines so that both maintain their full protection duration.
Some vaccinations require multiple doses at intervals of several weeks or months, so it is advisable to start arranging your vaccinations as early as possible. This will also give your immune system time to build up adequate protection. The timing depends on the nature and duration of your trip. As a guideline: for simple trips, make an appointment for the first consultation 4 - 8 weeks before departure, and for long-term or high-risk trips, more than six months in advance.
This question will be answered by the nurse during the consultation. You would do well to ask your treating doctor/specialist early on whether there are any objections from his/her side to your planned trip.
