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 2025
In the fall of 2025, two groups of people will receive an invitation from their general practitioner (GP) for a free pneumococcal vaccine:
- People born in 1965. These are people who are turning 60 this year
- People born in 1947 or prior. These are people who are turning 78 or older this year.
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 vaccin
The GP will also send the invitation for the flu vaccine. The flu vaccine is available to everyone from the age of 60. Depending on how your GP organises the vaccination, you may receive two 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.
Have you indicated to your GP that you do not wish to receive an invitation for the flu vaccine, but you are in the target group for the pneumococcal vaccination? Then you will still receive an invitation for the pneumococcal vaccination.
About the pneumococcal vaccination
*Light music plays*
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.
Living in a nursing home?
Were you born between 01-01-1957 and 31-12-1960 and do you live in a care institution (e.g. a nursing home)? If so, you will receive an invitation for the pneumococcal vaccination through the care institution, just like with the flu vaccine. The vaccination is free of charge.
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 rare.
There are several reasons why it is better to delay the vaccination:
- If you have a fever at the time of 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 appropriate 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.