Vaccinations in children

There are two types of vaccinations, i.e. reimbursed vaccinations and non-reimbursed vaccinations.

1. Kind en Gezin provides a number of vaccinations free of charge. You can find out which vaccinations your child can receive at Kind en Gezin on the K&G website or in the children's booklet.
2. Non-reimbursed vaccinations:

Meningococcal vaccinations

• Meningococcal AYCW: at 15 months, your child can receive a free vaccine against meningococcal C, but this can also be replaced by a more comprehensive vaccine with 4 meningococcal types (AYCW). This can be administered at Kind en Gezin.
  • The Superior Health Council recommends this because of the increase in the number of Y and W infections in Belgium and surrounding countries in recent years.
  • Current vaccines in Belgium, cost price/dose: nimenrix €52.60 (age >2 months), menveo (age >2 years) €52.60
• Meningococcal B: The Superior Health Council does not recommend this as a general rule, but it may offer good protection individually, especially for the following age groups:
  • ages 0 to 5
  • ages 15 to 19
  • Persons at increased risk (to be discussed with own doctor)

Meningococcal vaccinations

Meningococcal disease can cause meningitis or blood poisoning resulting in severe permanent injuries or death. The disease is rare.

Vaccination schedule:

• 2 to 23 months: 3 doses (preferably start as early as possible)
• From the age of 2 2 doses
  • Current vaccines in Belgium, cost/dose: Bexsero €86.52 (age> 2 months), Trumemba €76.98 (age> 10 years).
  • Not administered at Kind en Gezin.

Chicken pox (varicella)

Chicken pox is a common disease. In a small number of cases, there are serious complications (pneumonia, sepsis, brain damage). 15-30% of children who had the disease later get shingles. Recommendation of the Supreme Health Council: The vaccination benefits the child, but is not generally recommended except for adolescents or adults who have not yet had varicella and persons at increased risk (to be discussed with own doctor)

Vaccination schedule

• From age 1 2 doses.
• A combined vaccine: measles, mumps, rubella and chicken pox is no longer available
  • Current vaccines in Belgium, cost/dose: Varilrix €48.68; Varivax €52.52
  • Not administered at Kind en Gezin.
  • Possible side effects of these vaccinations:
    • Fever
    • Redness and muscle pain at the injection site.
    • In adolescents with meningococcal vaccines: malaise and headache.

Travel vaccinations

Information can be obtained from the travel clinic.

More information about vaccinations can be obtained from Kind en Gezin, your general practitioner, your paediatrician and on the website of the Superior Health Council.