The vaccination campaign for seasonal flu will start in October. About 6 million people living in the Netherlands will receive an invitation to get the flu jab in the next few months. This involves people who are at higher risk of becoming seriously ill from the flu. Flu is an infectious respiratory disease caused by the flu virus (also known as influenza).
People aged 63 to 66 years will be offered pneumococcal vaccination this autumn. This group includes all people born from 1 January 1957 through 31 December 1960. Pneumococci are bacteria that can cause you to become seriously ill. The pneumococcal vaccination is often given at the same time as the flu jab.
The following overview covers frequently asked questions about COVID-19, the flu and the flu jab, and pneumococcal disease and the pneumococcal vaccination.
The flu jab and the coronavirus SARS-CoV-2
answer
No, that is not necessary. You can get both vaccines at the same time or short after each other.
No. COVID-19 vaccination does not offer protection against flu viruses. COVID-19 vaccination offers protection against COVID-19. Flu is caused by flu viruses (influenza). COVID-19 is the disease is caused by the coronavirus SARS-CoV-2.
The most common side-effects after the flu jab are pain, redness or a slight swelling or tenderness in the area where you had the injection. After the flu jab, you may also have a headache or feel lethargic. These side-effects almost always disappear within 2 days.
Have you developed symptoms of a cold, cough or fever after getting the flu jab? Then please get tested for COVID-19, and in any case stay home until you know the test result. This applies even if you have been fully vaccinated against the coronavirus.
If you have doubts or severe symptoms, always consult your GP or the out-of-hours medical centre.
Pneumococcal vaccination and coronavirus (COVID-19)
No, the pneumococcal vaccination does not involve a vaccine against COVID-19. Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) is caused by a virus. Pneumococci are bacteria. The pneumococcal vaccination protects you against the 23 most common types of pneumococci.
The most common side-effects after the pneumococcal vaccination are pain at the injection site, feeling tired, irritability or reduced appetite. After the pneumococcal vaccination, you may also develop flu-like symptoms, such as headache, elevated temperature, muscle aches, diarrhoea or abdominal pain. That usually goes away within 2 days.
After getting the flu jab, have you developed symptoms that could indicate COVID-19, such as cold symptoms, cough or fever? Then we advise you to get tested for COVID-19, and in any case to stay home until you know the test result. This applies even if you have been fully vaccinated against the coronavirus.
If you have doubts or severe symptoms, always consult your GP or the out-of-hours medical centre.