Vaccinations

August 2025

At ISA we prioritize the health of our students and offer an in-school vaccination service in partnership with the GGD. This service is available for students aged 4+ to 18 years. Below are the important details and guidelines to ensure a smooth vaccination process. If your child is 2 to 4 years of age, your child will receive vaccinations (and early year check-ups) at the youth GGD. 

By accepting an invitation for your child to be vaccinated at the ISA Nurse’s Office, you are agreeing to follow these rules and procedures. 

We ask parents to please be cognizant of the following: Each vaccination day is planned with care to accommodate a maximum of 100 students. The total number of vaccinations required must be ordered 2-4 weeks in advance. Missed appointments or late cancellations waste vaccines, as they cannot be reassigned. Late responses to the invitation and consent form prevent your child and/or other students from being added to the school vaccination date. 

Guidelines for Parents 

To make the process efficient, we kindly ask for your support with the following: 

● Opt-out notification: If you don’t want your child vaccinated at school, please inform us promptly to avoid unnecessary emails and invitations. 

● Sharing vaccination records: If you want your child to receive vaccinations at school, you must share all vaccination records with the Nurse’s Office. Without records of previous vaccinations, ISA, GGD, and RIVM cannot plan nor give additional vaccines. 

● Consent Form: Always respond to the invitation and consent form; even with a “No.” 

● Timely responses: Please reply within 72 hours to the vaccination invitation so we can order the correct vaccine(s) on time. If you do not respond within 72 hours, your child will be placed at the end of the wait-list, and they will have to wait for a spot during a future vaccination date. We cannot guarantee this will be during the next immediate vaccination date; it may be 2-4 months later. If you do not respond to an invitation a second time, a waiver will be placed in the student file, then further scheduling requires you to contact us. 

● Canceled or missed appointments: If your child misses their appointment or you cancel it, the student will have to wait for the next school vaccination date that has space to accommodate them. Alternatively, the parent can arrange a date with the GGD. 

● Repeat cancellations or missed appointments: After two cancellations or missed appointments, the Nurse’s Office will stop sending you invitations. The parent will have to contact the Nurse’s Office and request to add the student back on to the schedule. 

● Sports and Activities: There is no need to cancel vaccinations due to sports or activities. In fact, light physical activity, such as moving the arm or playing sports, is recommended after vaccination. 

● Preparing Your Child: Ensure your child knows about their vaccination appointment in advance. If possible, send their vaccination booklet to school for signing. 

● Bring the GGD Invitation: If you receive a vaccine invitation from the GGD in the mail, please bring it to us. We will take care of the necessary arrangements, and after the vaccination, we will inform the GGD of the vaccine administered to your child. 

● Vaccines received elsewhere: If your child received a vaccination elsewhere, even at the GGD, please inform our Nurse's Office so we can update our records. This is important so we do not invite your child for a vaccine they already received. 

Dutch National Immunization Program 

ISA follows the Dutch national vaccination program and only these vaccines can be offered. In the Netherlands, these vaccinations for children under the age of 18 are free; whether given at school or at a GGD clinic. Our in-school service provides a convenient option, though you may also schedule vaccinations directly with the GGD if preferred. For additional vaccinations that are not included in the Dutch program, you will need to arrange and pay for them yourself through your doctor or a clinic. While strongly recommended, vaccinations are not mandatory in the Netherlands. If you choose not to vaccinate your child, please notify us so we can update our records accordingly. 

More information can be found on the National Immunization Programme website: https://www.rivm.nl/en/national-immunisation-programme 

ISA Vaccination Days for 2025–2026 

In coordination with the GGD doctor, ISA has set 7 vaccination days for the school year: 

● 26th September 2025 

● 31st October 2025 

● 28th November 2025 

● 23rd January 2026 

● 13th March 2026 

● 17th April 2026 

● 29th May 2026 

If these dates don’t work for your child, you can arrange vaccinations directly with the GGD. We cannot offer alternative dates at school. 

Vaccines are the most effective way to prevent infectious diseases. Immunisation currently prevents more than 3.5 - 5 million deaths every year from diseases like diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis and measles. All the vaccines have been thoroughly researched to be safe and effective.

Vaccines work by training the immune system to recognize the disease and create antibodies, just as it does when it’s exposed to a disease. However, because vaccines contain only the killed or weakened forms of the disease organism, they do not cause the disease or put you at risk of its complications.

Children all over the world are vaccinated against infectious diseases. Each country has developed their vaccination schedules according to its prevailing infectious diseases, health care organization, available resources and history of vaccination programs. The goal is the same: to protect children against dangerous infectious diseases.

HPV stands for the Human Papilloma Virus.

At ISA, we offer HPV vaccination to students inline with the national immunization program. What that means and why we think a vaccination against HPV is a good choice, we’d like to explain in the following.

What is HPV? 

HPV is a virus; the human papilloma virus. You usually don't notice the virus, but it is very contagious. If you have HPV, you can infect someone else without knowing it. There are different types of HPV infections. The two most dangerous are types 16 and 18, because they often lead to cancer. Cervical cancer is the best known.

How do you get HPV? 

You get HPV through sexual contact with someone who has HPV. It is very contagious and usually causes no symptoms, so someone with HPV can easily infect someone else without knowing it. A condom does not protect completely. The virus can also be transmitted through the skin, hands, and mouth.

Infection – what happens? 

HPV can infect the cells in your cervix, genitals, or mouth and throat. Eight out of ten people become infected with HPV at one or more times in their lives. Not all of them get sick. Usually, your body clears the virus itself. This does not happen in up to 20% of people. Then the virus gets the chance to change healthy cells. When the virus has damaged many cells, cancer can develop. 

Can you prevent HPV? 

Because HPV is very contagious, it is difficult to prevent an infection. Girls and boys can become infected with HPV. Long-term research shows that the vaccine provides approximately 95% protection against HPV infections with types 16 and 18.

HPV vaccination in the Netherlands

Since 2022, girls and boys have been offered the vaccination against HPV by the National Immunization Programme in the year they turn 10. (Previously, the vaccine was offered to girls at the age of 14). The vaccine is most effective if it’s been given before an infection with the virus. Two doses provide enough protection for a long period of time. Therefore, after the first vaccination, a second dose is necessary after a minimum time period of 5-6 months.

The good news – Vaccination at ISA

The ISA Nurse's Office team follows the Dutch immunisation programme and therefore offers the HPV vaccination in the year that children, boys and girls, turn 10. You will automatically receive an invitation for the HPV vaccination from the RIVM (the National Institute for Public Health and the Environment). If you want to make use of the ISA vaccination service, please bring the invitation card or letter to the ISA Nurse’s Office, and we will schedule a vaccination date during school hours for your child. After six months, they receive an invitation for the second (last) shot.

Additional Resources

Are you interested in more facts? The RIVM (the National Institute for Public Health and the Environment) has a webpage in English about the HPV vaccination. Additionally, the WHO (World Health Organization) produced the video "How the HPV vaccine works" which may answer questions you have.

Vaccinations that are not included in the Dutch Immunization Program

Every country has their own immunization program determined by local public health agencies. The immunization program for youth in The Netherlands differs from programs in other countries. Differences may include the timing or spacing of doses of a particular vaccination and/or which vaccinations are included in the national schedule.

In The Netherlands, every child has access to vaccinations that are part of the national program - for free - through the GGD. If you or your child want a vaccination that is not part of the Dutch immunization program, you will have to:

1. contact and schedule the vaccination at a place other than the GGD clinics or the ISA Nurse’s Office, and

2. pay for it yourself out-of-pocket.

For example, the Hepatitis A and Chickenpox (varicella) vaccinations are not part of the Dutch immunization program.

Additionally, in The Netherlands the annual Influenza (flu) vaccine is not offered to everyone. Here the flu vaccine is only available through the GGD and general practitioners’ clinics (huisarts) for those who have been designated as high-risk. Categories for ‘high-risk’ include the elderly and those with certain chronic health conditions. If you believe you or your child are at higher risk of being sick from the flu, you must discuss this with your GP/huisarts before flu season to be certain you are included on the list to receive the flu vaccine from your GP/huisarts.

Here are a few locations to contact if you or someone in your family would like to receive a vaccination that is not part of the national immunization program:

KLM Health Services

https://www.klmhealthservices.com/en/vaccination/

https://www.klmhealthservices.com/en/location-schiphol-east/

#020-649-4334

Building 133, Stationsplein N.O. 236

1117 CJ, Schiphol East

GGD Travel Clinic

https://www.ggd.amsterdam.nl/english/travelling-and-vaccinations/

https://www.ggdreisvaccinaties.nl/

#020-555-5090

GGD Amsterdam

Nieuwe Achtergracht 100

1018 WT, Amsterdam

GGD Vaccinaties op Maat

https://www.vaccinatiesopmaat.nl/

#020-555-5090

GGD Amsterdam

Nieuwe Achtergracht 100

1018 WT, Amsterdam

Vaccinatiepunt

https://vaccinatiepunt.nl/en/vaccinations-amstelveen/

Located at the Amstelland Hospital

Laan van de Helende Meesters 8

1186 AM, Amstelveen

Additional Information

RIVM - Rijksinstituut voor Volksgezondheid en Milieu (National Institute for Public Health and the Environment)

GGD - Gemeentelijke Gezondheidsdienst (Municipal Health Service/Public Health Department)

General

Q Are vaccinations compulsory in the Netherlands?

A No, vaccinations are not required, however they are strongly recommended. If you prefer to follow the vaccination schedule in your home country, that is also okay.

Q How are vaccinations organized in the Netherlands?

A The Dutch Institute for Health and Environment (RIVM) decides which vaccinations are part of the national immunization program. The vaccines are offered free of charge to children and teenagers. The RIVM updates the national schedule as necessary and maintains official vaccination records. The RIVM will inform the local health authority (GGD) which vaccinations a child needs. The GGD will then invite your child to receive the vaccination at one of their vaccination days.

Q My child has received a vaccination from the GGD. Do I need to let ISA know?

A Yes! Please let the ISA Nurse’s Office know of any vaccinations given (outside of ISA) so that we can update your child’s vaccination records.

Q Why do I keep receiving invitations for a vaccination that my child has already received?

A You will receive invitations based on which vaccinations the GGD thinks your child needs according to the RIVM records. If you receive invitations for vaccinations your child has already received, this means the RIVM does not have your child’s full vaccination history.  Please email a copy of your child’s vaccination records to DVPwest.rvp@rivm.nl If in doubt, please contact the Nurse’s Office and we can look into the situation with you.

Q Surely childhood diseases like measles and mumps are not that dangerous?

A In 2023-2024 there was a rise in cases of measles in Europe. For most children who have measles, they will feel ill for a while but then they will get better. However, in some cases measles can cause problems such as deafness, brain inflammation and even (in rare cases) death. If a woman catches rubella (german measles) while she is pregnant, this can cause severe disabilities to the unborn child. If a teenage boy catches mumps, he runs the risk of becoming infertile. If instances of illnesses like measles continue to increase, there is more risk that young children and babies who have not yet had the chance to receive the vaccination will be infected.

Q Why are you still vaccinating against illnesses like diphtheria and polio? Surely my child is not at risk from illnesses like this anymore.

A The incidences of these illnesses are low because of vaccination programs around the world. If we stopped vaccinating, these illnesses would come back. In some countries, polio is on the rise due to the low up-take of vaccinations.

Vaccinations at ISA

Q Can my child be vaccinated at ISA?

A Yes! We hold 7 vaccination days throughout the school year. These can only take place when a GGD doctor comes to ISA. We will email parents an invitation specifically stating which vaccination, a date, and time for an appointment. Please reply to the email as we cannot give any vaccination without the explicit consent of the parents.

Q Do I need to accompany my child to the vaccination appointment?

A If your child is under 10 years of age, we ask a parent to attend the appointment with the student. If your child is over 10 years of age, you do not need to come, but you will still be welcome if you choose to come.

Q How can I prepare my child and help the appointment go smoothly?

A   - Please let your child know they have an appointment for a vaccination.

- If you are not coming with your child, please let them know the day and time of the vaccination so   that they come to the Nurse’s Office on time.

- Remind your child to wear clothing that allows easy access to the upper arm.

Q I have received an email asking for consent to exchange the vaccination information with the RIVM. What does this mean?

A Due to the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) law, the GGD is not allowed to tell the RIVM they have vaccinated someone without that person’s explicit consent. If it concerns a child under the age of 12, the parents will need to give consent. For children aged from 12 to 16, both the parent and the child need to give consent. For young people aged 16 or over, only the young person needs to give consent because, under Dutch law, a 16 year old is legally able to give consent for medical procedures and is entitled to medical privacy. If we do not receive consent for sharing vaccination information, we will not be able to give the vaccination.

Q Can my child come to the Nurse’s Office any day to get a vaccination?

A No. We are only allowed to give vaccinations when the GGD doctor is present at ISA. Additionally, we do not store any vaccinations here, the doctor brings them.

Q I have received an invitation for a vaccination for my child from the GGD, but I want them to be vaccinated at ISA. What do I do now?

A If you would like your child to be vaccinated at ISA, please bring the GGD invitation to the Nurse’s Office and we will add your child to one of our vaccination days.

Q Do I need to cancel my GGD appointment if I decide to get my child vaccinated at ISA?

A If the GGD arranged an appointment for your child during a GGD vaccination day, you do not have to go. If you want to call the GGD to cancel your child’s appointment, of course they appreciate it, but it’s not required.

Q Can my child get a chickenpox (varicella) vaccination at ISA?

A No. We are only able to give vaccinations that are part of the Dutch national immunization program. Chickenpox is not part of the Dutch program. Your GP/huisarts may be able to write a prescription for the chickenpox vaccination, which you can then collect from the pharmacy and take back to your doctor so that he/she can give the vaccination. Otherwise, you need to make an appointment with the GGD travel clinic or a private clinic and pay for the vaccination yourself. More information can be found in our section "Vaccinations outside the Dutch program."

Q We will travel abroad and need vaccinations before we go. Can we get these at ISA?

A No. The ISA Nurse’s Office can only vaccinate our students based on the Dutch national immunization program for children. For any other vaccinations, please see the other section of this webpage "Vaccinations outside the Dutch program."

Q Can my child get the flu vaccine at ISA?

A In the Netherlands, healthy children and adults generally do not receive an annual influenza vaccine. However, those with certain chronic health conditions that put them at greater health risk, are able to receive the flu vaccine via their huisarts/GP office. If you believe your child qualifies for this, please contact your huisarts/GP and the ISA Nurse’s Office at the start of the school year.

HPV Vaccination (Human Papillomavirus)

Q I thought the HPV vaccination was only for girls; why has my son received an invitation for an HPV vaccination?

A It used to be the case that only girls were vaccinated against HPV. Previously, it was thought that HPV only affected women. Unfortunately, the HPV virus can cause cancer in boys and men, too. Therefore, boys now also receive this vaccination. In any case, the best way to reduce the risk of passing on the HPV virus is to vaccinate boys as well as girls.

Q My daughter is far too young to be sexually active, why is she being offered the HPV vaccination at 10 years old?

A The RIVM has found that the HPV vaccination is most effective if given at 9 or 10 years of age. When the vaccine is given at that age, the immune response in the body means the child will have better resistance to the HPV virus later in life. Therefore, for better protection, the age for HPV vaccination was reduced from 14 years to 10 years. Read more here.

Q Which HPV vaccine is given in the Netherlands?

A In the Netherlands, Cervarix (GSK) is the HPV vaccination included within the Dutch national immunization program. Cervarix is designed to prevent infection from Human Papillomaviruses types 16 and 18.