Every year, 1.500 to 3.000 children are hospitalized due to the RS virus. Babies and young children with fragile health, in particular, can become very ill. Therefore, the RS virus vaccination will be included in the National Immunization Program starting in September 2025. Babies born on or after April 1, 2025, will be offered this vaccination.

What is RS virus?
The RS virus causes a respiratory infection. The virus is most prevalent in autumn and winter. Babies can become very ill, sometimes requiring hospitalization. Almost all children contract the RS virus before the age of 2. The vaccination effectively protects babies against serious illness from the virus. In other European countries, babies already receive the vaccination. The number of hospitalizations of babies due to the RS virus has decreased by 80% in those countries.

When should I get the RS virus vaccination?
The RS virus is most prevalent in autumn and winter. The RS virus vaccination protects for about six months. Therefore, the season in which your baby is born determines when your baby receives the vaccination:

• Babies born from October to March will receive the vaccination within 4 weeks of birth.
• Babies born from April to September will receive the shot in September or October.

You'll receive an invitation from us. You don't need to do anything yourself.

About the National Vaccination Programme
All children in the Netherlands can be vaccinated for free. This protects your child against serious infectious diseases. rijksvaccinatieprogramma.nl You'll see when we offer vaccinations. Do you have questions or are you unsure? We're happy to advise you. Discuss it during your appointment at the child health clinic. Or call or email us.