Vaccination is primarily recommended for infants and young children because their immune systems are still developing. However, adolescents, adults, pregnant women and the elderly can also be vaccinated against specific infectious diseases. Discuss with your doctor which vaccinations are advisable for you.
What is the basic vaccination schedule?
The basic vaccination schedule includes recommendations on what vaccinations must be administered at what age. In Belgium, vaccination against polio is mandatory. Other vaccines are strongly recommended.
Some vaccinations are not included in the basic vaccination schedule because they are targeted at specific groups, such as travellers, for example.
If the recommended vaccination schedule was not fully completed, a catch-up vaccination may be given.
With some vaccines, immunity decreases over time. A booster dose may then be advisable for these vaccines. For example, booster doses are recommended for the diphtheria, tetanus and whooping cough vaccine, and can be given to adolescents and adults. Discuss with your doctor whether a booster vaccination is necessary.
More information about the basic vaccination schedule and other vaccines
Vaccination program - Flemish Government (Dutch only)
Kind en Gezin – The basic vaccination schedule
PharmaInfo - The basic vaccination schedule (Dutch/French only)
European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control - Vaccination scheduler