Pneumococci are bacteria that many people carry. This is not something you will usually notice, but these bacteria can lead to serious illness, especially as you get older – even if you are otherwise healthy. The symptoms of pneumococcal disease are severe, with some 8,500 people aged 60 and over being admitted to hospital every year, often with severe pneumonia. Some 900 elderly people die of pneumococcal disease in the Netherlands every year.

Better protection against pneumococcal disease

The new pneumococcal vaccine provides better protection against pneumococcal disease than the previous vaccine. The new vaccine reduces your chances of being made ill by pneumococcal bacteria for a longer period of time. The vaccine is safe. Several of our neighbouring countries are already using it. You may briefly experience some discomfort after receiving the vaccine, such as aching muscles, fatigue or some sensitivity at the injection site e. These symptoms usually disappear within a few days.

If you are aged 60 (born in 1965) or aged 78 or over (born in 1947 or before), you will receive an invitation from your GP or in-house physician for this protective vaccine in 2025. You can usually have this vaccine at the same time as the seasonal flu vaccine.

Go to Pneumococcal vaccination for the elderly for more information about the pneumococcal disease vaccine.