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Meningococcal Disease in Netherlands

01 June 2018

Media reportsat least 57 people have been admitted to intensive care and 11 people have died after becoming infected with meningococcal meningitis (MenW) so far this year (2018).  The figures come from the national public health institute RIVM and show that the number of deaths is now equal to 2017 as a whole. Prior to 2015 there were an average of four infections a year and no deaths.

Advice to Travellers

  • Risk of infection for most travellers is very low (particularly for package tourists).
  • Risk is increased if travelling to a region with ongoing epidemic where close, prolonged contact with local population anticipated.
  • All travellers should be aware of the risk of meningococcal disease, its transmission routes and symptoms and advised to avoid overcrowded areas.

When to consider vaccination

Vaccination should be considered under the following circumstances and is dependant on the individual risk assessment:

  • Travel to region with a current outbreak/ongoing epidemic where close, prolonged contact with local population anticipated particularly in overcrowded areas.
  • Travel to a high endemic region for individuals with immunodeficiency including asplenia.

Vaccination

Information also available in DH Green Book. This book is produced by the JCVI (Joint Committee for Vaccines and Immunisations). Their guidance may vary slightly from that of the manufacturers but should be followed by UK practitioners.

  • Travellers should be vaccinated using a quadrivalent vaccine to protect against the most likely serotypes encountered during travel, A, C, W-135 and Y.
  • Vaccination against serogroup B only is part of the British Vaccination Schedule and is offered to all children at 2, 4 and 12-13 months.
  • Vaccination against A, C, W-135 and Y is given as part of the British Vaccination Schedule at around 14 years.

Meningococcal vaccine for travel is not remunerated by the NHS as part of additional services but can be given either under NHS or Private provision. See Vaccine Charges for further information.