Teun Guichelaar is an immunologist with expertise in experimental immunology concerning aging of the immune system, immune regulation, and circadian rhythm of the immune system. His studies aim to better understand how aging-related deterioration and disturbances of the day-night rhythm may impact natural and vaccine-induced immunity to respiratory viral infections, such as influenza, COVID-19, and RSV. Current studies by his research team focus on the mechanisms of regulation of T-cell activation and on the induction of antibodies to respiratory viruses such as Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV).

Patricia Kaaijk is a senior scientist at the Center for Immunology of Infectious Diseases and Vaccines. With her research she wants to gain more insight into the specific immune response induced after vaccination and natural infection with the aim to optimize the National Vaccination Program. 

Josine van Beek (1975) is scientist at the department the department Immune mechanisms – Correlates of protection (IMC) within the Center for Immunology of Infectious diseases and Vaccines (IIV).  She is interested in the role for T cells induced by natural infection or vaccination in the protection against respiratory viral infections. Her focus is on immune responses to influenza virus infection, but also other viruses that cause Influenza-like Illness (ILI) belong to her interests. Josine is involved in several clinical trials in which different human samples are collected for our research projects (ILI-studies; VITAL). The impact of ageing is an important theme that is taken along in the evaluation of the results.

Rubella is called ‘rodehond’ in Dutch. It is a highly contagious disease caused by the rubella virus. Usually, you do not become very ill. The virus spreads through coughing and sneezing. The virus is especially dangerous for pregnant women because it can lead to miscarriage or severe birth defects in their unborn child. Children receive 2 vaccinations against rubella, at 14 months and at the age of 9.

Hepatitis B is an inflammation of the liver caused by infection with the hepatitis B virus. It can be transmitted from mother to child at birth, through sexual contact or through contact with infected blood. Children who have contracted hepatitis B are at particular risk of becoming chronic carriers of the virus. Children receive a vaccination against hepatitis B four times before their first birthday.

Diphtheria is a highly contagious infection with a bacterium. The bacterium can be transmitted through coughing or by touching. Usually, you become ill 2 to 5 days after infection. The bacterium often damages tissue, such as the skin or lungs. Before there was a vaccination against diphtheria in the Netherlands, many children died. It is included in the Dutch National Immunisation Programme. 

Tetanus, also known as lockjaw or trismus, is caused by the bacterium Clostridium tetani. As soon as the bacterium (which can be found in street refuse, for example) enters an open wound, a tetanus infection can be contracted. Since 1954, children have been receiving a vaccination against tetanus, 4 times before their first birthday and at the ages of 4 and 9.

Hib stands for Haemophilus influenzae type b, a bacterium that occurs occasionally in the nasal cavity of almost all people. The bacterium usually does not pose a danger and you do not become ill or it remains limited to a runny nose, strep throat, ear infection or sinusitis. In young children, the infection can be serious and cause pneumonia, meningitis or a life-threatening throat infection. The vaccination against Hib diseases has been part of the National Immunisation Programme since 1993. Children receive four vaccinations against Hib before their first birthday.