COVID-19 vaccination

Vaccination is strongly recommended for everyone aged 18 and over, but the government decides who can be vaccinated first. People with a higher risk of developing serious complications, e.g. residents of residential care centres, over-65s and people with certain health problems and workers in the health sector, are the first to be vaccinated.

The vaccines are usually administered in residential care centres.

The vaccination schedule usually consists of two doses with a minimum interval of three to four weeks.

Two weeks after the second injection, sufficient antibodies will normally have formed, but the rate of protection varies according to the type of vaccine.
It is not yet clear how long the protection will last, but it is expected that the protection after vaccination will last longer than protection after an actual infection.

It is not yet clear whether and when revaccination will be necessary.

After a vaccination mild symptoms often appear, such as a flu-like feeling, fever and pain, redness or swelling at the injection site. Serious side effects are extremely rare. The risk of side effects is many times lower than the risk of the disease itself.

Because the protection period after experiencing the disease is relatively short, vaccination is also recommended if you have already had COVID-19.

Vaccination against COVID-19 will not be compulsory.

There is currently insufficient data on COVID-19 vaccination in children.

There is currently insufficient data on the efficacy and safety of COVID-19 immunisation for immune disorders.

It is still unclear whether vaccinated persons are less contagious.

• Currently, the general COVID-19 measures still apply to vaccinated persons.
• It is expected that the general measures will be relaxed once the vaccination coverage is high enough.
• It is not yet clear whether a vaccination certificate will be required for travel or other activities in the future.

• Your invitation to be vaccinated will be sent to your home address in Belgium.
• If you have a state registration number, you can activate your e-box so that you are also invited via the e-box.
• You have to come to Belgium for the vaccination.
• If you don’t have an address in Belgium, you have to inform yourself and get vaccinated in the country where you live.