The most common disease in people of 60 years and older is (severe) pneumonia. Other common pneumococcal diseases are meningitis and blood poisoning. Every year, 8,500 people aged 60 years and older are hospitalized due to pneumococcal disease. Of these, 900 people die.
Invitation 2026
In the fall of 2026, two groups of people will receive an invitation from their general practitioner (GP) for a free pneumococcal vaccine:
- People born in 1966 (those turning 60 in 2026) .
- People born between 1948 and 1952 (those aged 74 to 78 in 2026).
Adults will be vaccinated against 20 of the most common types of pneumococci.
The invitation will state the date and time for your pneumococcal vaccination at the GP’s office. If you are unable to attend, contact your GP to make a new appointment.
The invitation letter is available in English, Arabic and Turkish.
Receiving the pneumococcal vaccination alongside the flu vaccine
Your GP will also send an invitation for the flu vaccine. In the Netherlands, the flu vaccine is available to everyone from the age of 60. Depending on how your GP organizes the vaccination, you may receive both vaccinations at the same time or on two different occasions. You will likely receive a separate invitation letter for each vaccination. There are no disadvantages to receiving vaccinations at the same time.
If you have informed your GP that you do not wish to receive an invitation for the flu vaccine, but you are eligible for the pneumococcal vaccination? Then you will still receive an invitation for the pneumococcal vaccination.
About the pneumococcal vaccination
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Voiceover:
Are you 60 or turning 60 this year? Then you will receive an invitation for the pneumococcal vaccine. As you get older, pneumococcal bacteria can make you seriously ill, even if you feel fit. They can cause pneumonia, or enter the bloodstream and lead to blood poisoning or meningitis. The vaccine helps your body produce antibodies that protect against pneumococci. This lowers the risk of serious illness if you get infected. The pneumococcal vaccine offers long-term protection. One shot can protect you for several years. The vaccine is free. You will automatically receive an invitation from your GP. Do you have questions or doubts? Visit rivm.nl/pneumococcal-vaccination-elderly or talk to your doctor. That way, you can make the choice that’s right for you.
Logo Rijksinstituut voor Volksgezondheid en Milieu, Ministerie van Volksgezondheid, Welzijn en Sport appears on screen.
On-screen text: More information?
Visit www.rivm.nl/pneumococcal-vaccination-elderly.
When should you delay the pneumococcal vaccine?
The vaccine is suitable for almost everyone. However, people who have previously had an allergic reaction to any of its components in the past should not receive the vaccine. Such cases are very rare.
There are several reasons why it is better to delay the vaccination:
- If you have a fever on the day of your vaccination;
- If you have surgery within 48 hours after the vaccination;
- If you have a cold on the day you were going to be vaccinated.
Consult your GP to determine a more suitable time for vaccination.
Chemotherapy or a recent bone marrow transplant?
If you are receiving chemotherapy, you should discuss with your attending physician whether now is the right time for the pneumococcal vaccination. The pneumococcal vaccination does not cause any harm while undergoing chemotherapy, but sometimes it does not work as well. Therefore, it may be better to wait until the chemotherapy is finished. Even if you have recently had a bone marrow transplant, it is best to consult with your specialist if you are currently eligible for the pneumococcal vaccination.