FAQ / Frequently asked questions
General
How do I get in touch with Vaccination Point?
Contact us at info@vaccinatiepunt.nl, this is the most effective way to reach us as we have more staff available via email than by phone. Our opening hours are weekdays (Mon-Fri) from 9am-5pm. For urgent enquiries, please call 0900-8222462 (local rate).
How do I find a location near me?
An overview of all our locations can be found at our location page. On the homepage you will also see a map of the Netherlands with all our locations, so you can quickly see which location is near you.
Is Vaccination Point reliable?
Vaccination Point has been a household name in the traveller vaccination industry for more than 20 years. We work only with qualified doctors and nurses. Our staff receive regular refresher training, are registered with BIG and LCR, and have a VOG certificate. In addition, Vaccination Point is ISO 9001-2015 certified by DNV.
Where can I find your terms and conditions?
Is the International Certificate of Vaccination against Yellow Fever the same as the 'yellow vaccination booklet'?
International Proof of Vaccination against Yellow Fever is an official stamp, this is not the same as the yellow 'vaccination' booklet.
The official stamp does get placed on a page dedicated to it after vaccination in the yellow booklet.
Changing or cancelling an appointment
I want to change my appointment, how do I do this?
Changing an appointment is only possible by phone and not by e-mail. This is because the time slot for your new appointment may not be available. Therefore, please contact us by phone during our opening hours (Mon-Fri 09.00 - 17.00) so that we can change your appointment immediately.
I want to cancel my appointment, how do I do that?
You can only cancel your appointment by e-mail. Do this simply by replying to the confirmation e-mail you received when making the appointment. Can't find this e-mail anymore? Then send an e-mail to info@vaccinatiepunt.nl with your name, date of birth and appointment date.
Please note: You can cancel your appointment free of charge until no later than 24 hours before the appointment. If you fail to do so within that time, we will be forced to charge a fee.
I missed my appointment, now what?
This is of course annoying. If you were not present at your chosen Vaccination Point during your appointment, we are unfortunately forced to charge a fee. Please take contact with us to make a new appointment.
I want to cancel my Monday appointment, but you are not available at the weekend. What should I do now?
Don't worry, we check the information email on weekends. If you have cancelled via email 24 hours before your appointment, we will not charge you.
I want to change my Monday appointment, but I am worried because you are not available at the weekend. What should I do now?
If you wish to change your appointment over the weekend, it is best to notify us by email: info@vaccinatiepunt.nl. We will contact you as soon as possible on Monday.
Vaccination appointment
How can we make an appointment for a travel consultation?
You can make an appointment via the website. Click on the 'Make an appointment' button, then choose the location near you. Select the type of appointment, the number of people, and then the available date becomes visible, followed by the available times. You will be redirected to a new page where you fill in all the information of the main booker.
At what times can I visit you?
Vaccination Point mainly offers consultation hours in the evenings, mornings and on Saturdays. Check the website when making an appointment to see what times are available.
I am unable to find an available date at the Vaccination Point near me.
The venue may be fully booked, so always check another venue near you first.
I never received a confirmation of my made appointment?
Always check your spam folder in your e-mail first. The e-mail address may not have come through correctly. Therefore, please contact us at info@vaccinatiepunt.nl. Always mention the date/time and location of your appointment and your date of birth in your e-mail. This way Vaccinatiepunt can always trace the appointment made.
How long does a consultation last?
In a normal consultation, 15 minutes are scheduled for the first person, and an additional 5 minutes are scheduled for each additional person.
A follow-up consultation is scheduled for 5 minutes per person.
In a world travel consultation, 25 minutes are scheduled for the first person, and an additional 5 minutes are scheduled for each additional person.
What happens during my first consultation?
"During the initial consultation, the traveller's nurse will discuss with you all the information provided. The health certificate, travel destination and duration of travel will be checked. You will then receive the vaccinations discussed. Additional travel information can be found on our website and in our leaflets. Some locations require you to pay by pin immediately at the appointment, while at other locations you will receive an invoice afterwards. If you are insured, you can submit the invoice to your health insurer, which will assess what is covered.
What should I bring to a consultation?
If you have a vaccination booklet, always bring it with you. Also remember to bring any medication and an identity card or passport for your citizen service number (BSN).
Will I get my vaccinations immediately during the consultation?
Yes, during the consultation you will be vaccinated immediately. Some vaccinations form a series and require multiple doses, for which you need to come back later. In that case, we will schedule a follow-up appointment for you.
I already know which vaccinations I want, do I still have to pay for consultation?
Our traveller's nurse always has to review your file, which takes time that we have to charge. In addition, vaccinations are administered, you receive travel advice, and there is administration and accommodation that incurs costs.
What details should I fill in if I make an appointment for my child only?
When making an appointment for your child or someone else, always fill in the details of the person who is to receive the vaccinations. Make sure you fill in an accessible e-mail address and phone number.
Do I have to pay a separate consultation for everyone if we travel together with the same vaccinations?
Yes, all visitors, including children, pay consultation fees. We have to assess and administer the advice and vaccinations per person.
I want to book appointments for my family, do I need to book separate appointments?
No, in the booking module you will find an option above the date grid to select the number of people for the appointment. This will place the appointment in the calendar as a group appointment. First fill in the details of the main booker and then you can immediately fill in the details for each person. If you don't have all the details to hand, that's no problem. You will also receive a confirmation containing a link for each person to fill in the details later.
Can I come to a consultation by myself as a minor?
No, minors should always come to the consultation together with a parent/guardian.
I want to make an appointment for several people (e.g. family) but we cannot all be at the same time. Can I still make a group appointment first?
No, you can make an appointment for several people on the same date and time. If some of the group cannot then, you will have to make a separate appointment on an available day.
I can't find my vaccination booklet anymore, can I buy a new one?
If you have lost it, you can always buy a new one. Please indicate this during or before the consultation. If you have been to Vaccination Point, we will be able to find your vaccinations in the system and add them to the new vaccination booklet.
Will you also give me a vaccination booklet?
If you do not have an International Certificate of Vaccination against Yellow Fever (the yellow booklet), we will provide it. However, if you do have such a vaccination booklet, even if it is old, you should always bring it with you.
I have been vaccinated by another vaccination centre or GGD in the past, but now I want to get the (repeat) vaccinations at Vaccination Point? Is this possible?
Yes, you certainly can. However, please note that you are coming to Vaccination Point for the first time, so select 'First Appointment'. This is because our nurse has to review your file again.
I have had a first vaccination elsewhere but would like to get my second or third vaccination at Vaccination Point. Can I then schedule a repeat appointment?
No, when you come to Vaccination Point for the first time, you should always select 'First appointment'.
I am taking anitbiotics, can I still get vaccinated?
It depends on why you are taking antibiotics. If you have an acute infectious disease, it is better to delay vaccination.
I have a fever / am ill, can I still be vaccinated?
A slight elevation is no reason to postpone the vaccination. However, if you have a real fever and feel very sick, it is better to postpone the appointment.
Should I consider side effects after vaccination administration?
Sometimes some stiffness or mild muscle pain may occur at the injection site. Slight flu-like symptoms may also occur for one or two days. Fortunately, most people do not experience any complaints after the vaccination. You do not need to take any other special precautions; you can work and/or play sports as usual, including swimming.
Explanation per vaccination
BMR
The BMR vaccination still makes sense until the day of departure, but it is best to get the vaccination at least two weeks in advance.
Protection duration:
After a complete vaccination series, the following time limits are applied: BMR: Lifetime.
Typhoid fever
It is best to get the typhoid fever vaccine at least one to two weeks before arriving at your destination.
Protection duration:
After a complete vaccination series, the following time limits are applied: Typhoid fever: 3 years.
Dengue
The dengue vaccine consists of two vaccinations. There must be exactly 3 months between the first and second vaccine.
Protection duration:
After a complete vaccination series, the following time limits are observed:
DTP
The DTP vaccination also makes sense on the day of departure, but it is better to get the vaccination at least three days before your departure.
Protection duration:
After a full vaccination series (3x), the following time limits are observed: DTP: 10 years after full series or booster.
Yellow fever
It is best to get the yellow fever vaccine at least ten days in advance. This deadline also applies if you are travelling to a country where the vaccination is mandatory.
Protection duration:
After a complete vaccination series, the following time limits are observed: Yellow fever: lifetime protection.
Shingles
After a complete vaccination series, the following time frames are observed: The duration of protection of the shingles vaccine is not yet fully known as it is available for a relatively short time. After 2 vaccinations, you are protected for at least 4 years.
Hepatitis A
The hepatitis A vaccination still makes sense until the day of departure, but it is best to get the vaccination at least two weeks in advance.
Protection duration:
After a full vaccination series, the following time limits are observed: Hepatitis A: after one vaccination 1 year, after the full vaccination up to 40 years.
Hepatitis B
For hepatitis B vaccination, the deadline is at least seven months before departure. You can also get vaccinated a month before your trip. You will then receive the third shot after your trip and be somewhat less protected.
Protection duration:
After a full vaccination series, the following time limits are observed: Hepatitis B: after full vaccinations (3x) lifelong protection.
Rabies
For rabies, it is best to start vaccinations four weeks in advance. If time is short, it can also be done three weeks in advance. The rabies vaccine consists of 2 vaccinations. There should be at least one week between the first and second vaccinations. It is best to get the second vaccination at least one week before departure.
Japanese Encephalitis
It is best to get the Japanese encephalitis vaccine at least six weeks in advance. Optionally, you can also get it four weeks in advance, but you will not be as well protected.
Meningitis
Vaccination against meningitis is best obtained at least 10 days before departure.
Protection duration:
After a complete vaccination series, the following time limits are observed: Meningitis: 10 years (5 years for Mecca) BMR: Lifetime.
Tick Encephalitis / FSME
Vaccinations against tick-borne encephalitis are best started at least six months before your trip. You can possibly be vaccinated three weeks beforehand, but you will not be as well protected.
Protection duration:
After a full vaccination series, the following time limits are observed: FSME: after the full vaccinations (3x), the duration of protection is 3 years. After that, a booster is possible that gives protection again for 3 or 5 years, depending on age and any health abnormalities.
Vaccination questions
Can I get all vaccinations in one day or does it not work that way?
The first consultation also always includes the vaccinations that have been discussed with the nurse. This depends on the type of vaccine and the number of shots needed for full protection. Sometimes a second or third appointment may need to be made.
Can I get multiple vaccinations in one appointment?
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.
I would like to know what vaccinations I need for the countries I am going to visit?
You can find the standard advice on the Vaccination Point website or on the LCR website (www.lcr.nl). This standard advice must then be adapted to an individual advice. This is done by the nurse in collaboration with the doctor prior to the consultation, based on the information you provide.
How do I know if I need vaccinations for my trip?
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.
How many weeks before departure should vaccinations be given?
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.
I would like to know the minimum time required between the last puncture and the date of departure?
The body needs time to produce antibodies. For optimal protection, a minimum amount of time is required per vaccination. For yellow fever, for example, a minimum period of 10 days is required between vaccination and entering the country concerned. As multiple shots are sometimes needed for optimal protection, it is recommended to make an appointment 6-8 weeks before departure. For long-term travel to high-risk areas, make your first appointment 7 months before departure.
What is the interval between vaccinations?
This depends on the vaccination. In general, you should allow 1 month between the first and second vaccination. Sometimes accelerated schedules are possible. The nurse will inform you about this during your first consultation.
How long am I protected if I am fully vaccinated?
This depends on the vaccinations you receive; some have a protection period of 3 years, others 40 years or for life.
How many years do I remain protected after vaccination?
After a complete vaccination series, the following time limits are observed:
- DTP 10: years after full series or booster.
- Hepatitis A: after one vaccination 1 year, after full vaccination up to 40 years.
- Hepatitis B: after full vaccinations (3 units) lifelong protection.
- Typhoid fever: 3 years.
- Yellow fever: lifetime protection.
How often should I be vaccinated to be sufficiently protected?
It depends on the type of vaccine and the number of shots needed for full protection. Sometimes a second or third appointment may need to be made.
Can I decide which vaccinations I want?
Ultimately, you decide for yourself. Vaccination Point can only advise which vaccinations are necessary for your trip or which vaccinations are recommended.
Are vaccinations really necessary?
In most cases, yes. Vaccinations are considered mandatory if the country you are travelling to requires it. Vaccinations are recommended if there is a risk of contracting certain infectious diseases in the country. Recommended vaccinations are at least as important as mandatory vaccinations.
I or someone close to me may vaccinate. Can I also get the vaccines alone at Vaccination Point?
No, Vaccination Point guarantees the quality of the vaccines and their administration. However, we do not sell loose vaccines.
Can I also get my COVID vaccination at Vaccination Point?
No, COVID vaccinations are not freely available in the Netherlands. Therefore, we do not offer these vaccinations. We also do not have a shared database with information on COVID vaccinations from the GGD and therefore cannot place stamps in your vaccination passport. For up-to-date information on COVID vaccination recommendations or requirements, please refer to the GGD.
Can I consume alcohol after vaccination?
In principle, this is not a problem: alcohol and vaccinations generally go well together. Nevertheless, complaints and side effects that sometimes occur after a vaccination can be intensified by alcohol.
Can I exercise after vaccination?
Exercising after a vaccination is generally not a problem. However, if you feel unwell, stop intense exercise immediately and contact your GP or Vaccination Point.
Can I get sick after vaccination?
If you are healthy, you will usually not suffer or have any side effects from vaccinations. However, the degree of reaction to a vaccination varies from person to person. Possible side effects include:
Fatigue
Dizziness
Headache
Slight increase
Painful sensation at the injection site.
If you experience side effects, they are usually mild and usually disappear within 2 days. Serious side effects are rare.
I will be travelling in a few days, does it still make sense to get vaccinations?
Certainly, it is always wise to make an appointment. Hepatitis A and DTP vaccinations, which are recommended for almost all countries, are still useful up to a few days before departure.
Do you have any medical tips for me regarding my health during my travels?
During the consultation, you will receive relevant information related to travel and health.
Can the necessary vaccinations be combined with my conditions and/or medication?
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.
Is swallowing malaria pills necessary?
This depends on the destination and length of stay. The need will be discussed with you during the consultation.
Payment & reimbursement
What does vaccination cost at Vaccination Point?
As with other medical institutions, such as your GP or medical specialist, at Vaccination Point you pay consultation fees per person. When you use our services, you will receive an invoice per person. The fees are made up of product(s) and consultation.
Products may include:
- Vaccinations
- Recipes
- Blood test
The consultation fee consists of:
- An opinion/assessment
- Labour costs and operations of our medical and administrative staff, information leaflets, administration and accommodation costs.
The consultation may cover:
- Adults
- Children up to 15 years
- Consultation for longer trips (5 countries or more)
- Follow-up (repeat) consultation
- No-show consultation without notice
- Online consultation (for digital malaria prescription only)
All prices charged by us are listed in our tariff list.
How is payment made?
You should pay by card after you are vaccinated. You will receive an invoice that you can submit to your insurer if you wish.
What (part) of the costs will be reimbursed by my health insurer?
This depends on your insurer and your insurance policy. You can consult your insurer's reimbursement overview for this. Vaccination Point is an LCR-registered vaccination company. As a result, we have contracts with the larger insurers. Your vaccinations may therefore be reimbursed, but ultimately the insurer always decides.
You can find the fee schedule of your insurer.
Why do I pay consultation fees at each visit?
You pay this fee (as you would with your GP) for the responsibility Vaccinatiepunt takes to advise you properly. Vaccination Point is an ISO-certified company that works exclusively with specialised traveller doctors and nurses. These costs also include the time/materials the doctor and nurse spend on the consultation and the cost of accommodation. If you come for a repeat vaccination, a follow-up consultation will be charged. The consultation fee is always calculated per person.
Children & vaccinations
For young children, can travel vaccinations be combined with vaccinations from the vaccination programme at the health centre?
This depends on many factors. We advise you to discuss this with the nurse.
Does my child need travel vaccinations if they are/are vaccinated according to the national vaccination programme?
Some travel vaccinations are not part of the national vaccination programme (e.g. hepatitis A). The nurse will review which vaccinations are necessary and have not been given to your child through the national immunisation programme. If one of the RVP vaccinations falls during the trip, consideration may be given to giving that one vaccination prior to the trip.
Can I also rub my children with DEET?
Yes, DEET can also be used in children. Out of caution, it is recommended to use concentrations lower than 30% in children under two years of age. Children should not smear themselves and keep hands free (because of mouth or eye contact). Because the concentration is lower, you will need to apply more frequently.
From what age can children be vaccinated?
In the Netherlands, infants are vaccinated for various diseases through the health centre. Travelling abroad may require additional measures. Children who are going to travel often receive the same vaccinations as adults. However, the dosage and vaccination schedule may be different. Some vaccines have a minimum age at which the vaccine may be administered. Vaccination for Hepatitis A is only allowed from 1 year of age, yellow fever from 9 months of age, typhoid fever from 2 years of age and dengue from 4 years of age.
Malaria
Can I get a malaria prescription for someone else?
You can, only the appointment must be on the personal data of the person concerned. Only on that personal data are we allowed to write a prescription, for example for the elderly or children.
Can I also request malaria medication during my consultation?
During your consultation, our nurses can directly order the malaria tablets for you. The malaria tablets will then be sent to your home address in the Netherlands. You can also pick them up directly if you have an appointment at a pharmacy location.
Can/should my child take malaria tablets?
Malaria tablets are also available for children. To prescribe the right dosage, we need your child's weight.
Is there also a vaccine against Malaria instead of pills?
No, unfortunately no vaccine against malaria is available yet.
When should I start taking the prescribed malaria pills?
It depends on the type of malaria tablet prescribed to you. For the two most common ones, the following applies: Malerone: one day before you enter the high-risk area. Lariam: three weeks in advance. If this is not feasible given the departure date, accelerated recharge doses are available.
Do I necessarily have to take malaria pills?
Taking malaria pills depends on the country you will be visiting and how long the trip will last. Therefore, the nurse always goes through the itinerary when advising you to see if it is necessary for your trip.
Pregnancy
Can I travel during my pregnancy?
Always consult your midwife or obstetrician whether you can make this trip. Depending on the destination, you may need to be vaccinated against certain infectious diseases. For Western Europe, North America, Japan and Australia/New Zealand, it is generally not necessary to be vaccinated. There are no infectious diseases you can be vaccinated against and healthcare is usually similar to what you are used to. However, bear in mind that on a long flight, you have a higher risk of complications such as thrombosis or embolisms. For trips to other destinations, we are happy to invite you for a consultation. During the consultation, you will receive tailor-made advice. You may even be advised not to travel. It is also important to check with your airline what conditions they stipulate for flying during pregnancy. The duration of the pregnancy, whether you are pregnant with multiple births and whether the pregnancy is without complications can be important considerations in this respect.
Can I get vaccinated if I am pregnant?
Are you pregnant and need vaccinations? If so, consult a doctor or nurse about what is best. This also applies to malaria medication. Whether you can be vaccinated while pregnant depends on the type of vaccination you need. For example, a vaccination against dengue should not be administered during pregnancy. A trip to a (sub)tropical country always carries an increased medical risk. Consider whether this trip is necessary or whether you might want to postpone it.
I would like to become pregnant. Do vaccinations and the use of malaria tablets pose a risk in this regard?
Being vaccinated (during your trip) is not a reason not to get pregnant. The combination of (incipient) pregnancy and the use of malaria tablets is not recommended in many cases. Sometimes there are options, but these depend on the destination and length of stay.
I am pregnant, can I also use DEET?
Throughout pregnancy, DEET can be used up to a maximum of 30%. As a precaution, it is advised to limit the use of DEET in the first three months, for example by wearing covering clothes as much as possible and washing off DEET as soon as you return to a mosquito-free area.
I want to get pregnant, can I get vaccinated?
Are you pregnant or planning to become pregnant in the near future and want to travel? Travelling during pregnancy does not have to be a problem. Prepare well and adjust your travel plans if necessary. Do you need vaccinations? If so, consult a doctor or nurse about what is best. This also applies to malaria medication.
Can I take malaria tablets during my pregnancy?
Our nurses will inform you about pregnancy in a malaria area. After this education, you can judge for yourself whether you want to travel to a malaria area. Not all malaria tablets can be used during pregnancy. If malaria tablets are advised, the nurse will write you a prescription in consultation with one of our doctors.
Corporate vaccinations
I was vaccinated for Hepatitis B and had a needle stick injury. What should I do now?
If your employer is affiliated to www.prikincident.nl, you can contact the well-known number. It is extremely important to always follow your employer's needle stick protocol. While you are protected against hepatitis B, consider other risks such as hepatitis C or HIV.
I can no longer find my titer result but need it for my (new) employer. How do I still get it?
If you have been vaccinated at Vaccinatiepunt, we will be able to find your details in our system. If not, you will have to get a repeat hepatitis B vaccination from us. After a month, we can perform a new titer determination for you, so you will have new proof.
