Meningococcal ACWY vaccination
Did your child(ren) receive an invitation for the ACWY vaccination from the RIVM? Preventive healthcare is one of the goals of The Centre for children and Families (CJG, in Dutch). They not only check the growth and development of babies and toddlers, they also provide vaccinations. Since young children are the most vulnerable to infectious diseases, the government offers every child free vaccinations against twelve infectious diseases.
| Age | Injection 1 | Injection 2 |
| 6 - 9 weeks | DTaP-IPV-Hib-HBV | PCV |
| 3 months | DTaP-IPV-Hib-HBV | |
| 4 months | DTaP-IPV-Hib-HBV | PCV |
| 11 months | DTaP-IPV-Hib-HBV | PCV |
| 14 months | MMR | MenACWY |
| 4 years | DTaP-IPV | |
| 9 years | DT-IPV | MMR |
| 12 years (girls only) | HPV | HPV (6 months later) |
Meningococcal disease
The meningococci bacteria can cause meningitis or blood poisoning, which are very serious diseases. The bacteria is easily spread by coughing, sneezing and kissing and is especially dangerous for very young children. However, as of 2015 there are more and more disease cases registered amongst youngsters. These infections mainly involve meningococcal type W.
Meningococcal ACWY vaccination invitation
Before, children aged 14 months received the meningococcal type C vaccination. In May 2018 this vaccination was replaced by the Meningococcal ACWY vaccination. This means young children are already vaccinated against meningococcal type A, C, W and Y.
In April, May and June youngsters born in 2003 and 2005 will receive this invitation for the ACWY vaccination from the RIVM. The RIVM, responsible for the implementation of the Dutch National Immunisation Programme, is an executive agency, sponsored by the Ministry of Health, Welfare and Sport. In the envelope you will find an invitation card and a vaccination certificate. Youngsters born in 2001 and 2002 who haven't replied on the prior invitation will receive it again.