A new round of coronavirus vaccinations will begin on 21 September 2026. People who have a high risk of becoming seriously ill with COVID-19 can get a vaccination. If you have a referral from your doctor, you can get a coronavirus vaccination at the municipal health service (GGD) at any time of year.

Who can get a coronavirus vaccination during the autumn round

The following groups are eligible for a coronavirus vaccination:

  • People aged 70 and over; 
  • People aged 50 to 69 who receive an invitation for the annual flu jab;
  • Children and adults in medical high-risk groups, such as people with a severe immune system dysfunction; 
  • Healthcare workers who have direct contact with vulnerable patients.

Other people may also be eligible for a coronavirus vaccination, for example if they have a vulnerable family member.

Making a vaccination appointment

The National Institute for Public Health and the Environment (RIVM) will send an invitation letter to people aged 70 and over. People younger than 70 who fall into one of the above groups will not receive an invitation letter. They can make an appointment with their municipal health service (GGD) from 25 August 2026.

Coronavirus vaccinations are given by:

  • the municipal health service (GGD);
  • in-house medical services at care homes. This saves residents a trip to the GGD.

The coronavirus vaccination round will run from 21 September until 27 November 2026.

Healthy people under 70 do not need a coronavirus vaccination

In 2026, healthy people aged 60 to 69 will no longer be offered a coronavirus vaccination, as they were in 2025. The Health Council of the Netherlands has adjusted its advice for this age group. This is because they are less likely to become seriously ill or die from COVID-19 than people aged 70 and over.

Coronavirus vaccination not necessary during pregnancy

The risk of becoming seriously ill with COVID-19 and giving birth prematurely is smaller than at the start of the coronavirus pandemic. This is because a large part of the population has already developed broad immunity against the virus. The Omicron variant also makes people less ill. It is no longer necessary for pregnant women to get vaccinated against coronavirus.

Coronavirus vaccination at any time with doctor's referral

If you have a referral from your attending physician for one or more additional coronavirus vaccinations, you can get them from the GGD at any time of year. Telephone them on 0800 7070 to make an appointment.

If you are in the Netherlands temporarily and do not have a Dutch passport, you can get a coronavirus vaccination with a doctor's referral if you will be staying in the Netherlands for more than 1 month. If you are staying in the Netherlands for less than 1 month, you cannot get a coronavirus vaccination here.

If you are temporarily living outside the Netherlands, ask whether you can get a vaccination in the country where you are living.

Coronavirus vaccination and post-COVID syndrome

Post-COVID syndrome refers to health problems that continue long after a coronavirus infection. Vaccination reduces the risk becoming seriously ill due to coronavirus. It also reduces the risk of developing post-COVID syndrome, but it can still happen. 

The Health Council of the Netherlands advises against vaccinating everyone as a means of preventing post-COVID syndrome. Much is still unclear about what causes post-COVID syndrome, what type of immunity offers protection against it, and what increases the risk of post-COVID syndrome. It is clear, however, that the risk of developing post-COVID syndrome after an infection with the Omicron variant is smaller than with other variants.

People aged 60 and over, healthcare workers and people who receive an invitation for the annual flu jab can get a coronavirus vaccination in the autumn. 
If you have post-COVID syndrome and are in one of these target groups, you can get a coronavirus vaccination during the autumn vaccination campaign. 

Not everyone with post-COVID syndrome needs a coronavirus vaccination

If you have post-COVID syndrome you only need a vaccination if you are in one of the target groups for the autumn vaccination campaign. That is what the Health Council of the Netherlands says. 

Vaccination reduces the risk of hospital or ICU admission, or death due to coronavirus infection for people in the target groups. There is no evidence that these risks are higher for people with post-COVID syndrome. 

Coronavirus vaccination provides partial and temporary protection. You can still get infected even if you have been vaccinated. There is not enough evidence that vaccination stops post-COVID symptoms getting worse after a new infection.

Help prevent coronavirus transmission

Respiratory infections caused by flu viruses, coronavirus or RS virus for example can make people very ill. People with underlying health issues and older people have a higher risk of becoming severely ill from coronavirus or the flu. But a viral infection can also cause prolonged symptoms in people without underlying health issues. This is the case with post-COVID syndrome, for example.

That’s why it’s still important to follow the advice for preventing respiratory infections. This helps protect everyone, including people with health issues.

Coughing, sneezing, a sore throat and a stuffy or runny nose are signs of respiratory infection.

  • Stay at home if you are ill.
  • If your symptoms are mild, ask your manager if you can work from home.
  • If you have symptoms, avoid physical contact with people who could become seriously ill from a cold or flu virus. Wear a face mask if physical contact is necessary, for example, when providing care.
  • Cough and sneeze into your elbow, and wash your hands with soap thoroughly and regularly (you should always do this, even if you are in good health).
  • Ventilate indoor spaces well.