The vaccination calendar in Belgium: how it works
30 July 2026 · 3 min read
In Belgium the vaccination calendar is not managed federally: the Superior Health Council recommends, and the Communities organise. As a result the practical details differ by region — and the calendar is evolving right now. Here is your map.
Who decides what
The Superior Health Council (CSS/HGR) sets the scientific vaccination recommendations for Belgium. The three Communities then turn them into concrete programmes: they purchase the vaccines, organise distribution and offer them free through their organisations — ONE in the Wallonia-Brussels Federation, Kind & Gezin (Opgroeien) in Flanders, Kaleido in the German-speaking Community (free from 0 to 20).
What the free programme covers
For children, the programme protects against the major diseases: diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis, polio, Haemophilus influenzae b, hepatitis B (the hexavalent vaccine), pneumococcus, measles-mumps-rubella, then meningococcus and HPV by age. One notable exception: the rotavirus vaccine, paid but largely reimbursed — bought at the pharmacy on prescription.
School vaccinates too
Part of the calendar is given free at school: by the CLB teams in Flanders and the PSE services in the Wallonia-Brussels Federation — notably the teenage boosters and HPV. If a consent form shows up in your child’s schoolbag, that is what it is.
HPV, for girls and boys
HPV vaccination is offered to everyone in the 2nd year of secondary school, girls and boys. In the Wallonia-Brussels Federation, a free catch-up exists up to and including age 18 for those born from 2006 — ask the doctor or the PSE service.
Adults: the boosters never really stop
A tetanus-diphtheria-pertussis (dTpa) booster is recommended roughly every 10 years — in Flanders it is even provided free. On top, depending on your profile: flu every autumn (partly reimbursed for risk groups and 50+), COVID per the CSS seasonal strategy, and after 65 specific recommendations (pneumococcus, RSV, shingles). Your doctor or pharmacist — who can vaccinate against flu without a prescription — will point the way.
Pregnant? Some vaccinations are recommended
During pregnancy, pertussis (dTpa) is recommended between weeks 24 and 32, flu in season, and a maternal RSV vaccination may be offered between weeks 28 and 36 to protect the newborn. Talk to your doctor or midwife — it is case by case.
The calendar is moving right now — here is why
In April 2026 the CSS published its new basic schedule (advisory 9761), which among other things lightens the infant hexavalent schedule. But the Communities are phasing it in: in the Wallonia-Brussels Federation, the current 2025-2026 calendar stays in force until 31 October 2026. Moral: never trust a copied calendar — consult your region's official, up-to-date one.
And to miss nothing: automatic reminders
Between baby doses, school boosters, your dTpa every ten years and the grandparents' yearly flu shot, family follow-up quickly becomes a puzzle. That is exactly what emmunity automates: each family member's calendar, with reminders at the right time.
Frequently asked questions
Which vaccines are free for my child?
Those in your Community's programme (via ONE, Kind & Gezin or Kaleido, and at school): diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis, polio, Hib, hepatitis B, pneumococcus, MMR, meningococcus and HPV by age. Rotavirus is the exception: paid, but largely reimbursed.
Is vaccination mandatory in Belgium?
Only polio is legally mandatory. The rest of the calendar is recommended — and offered free to children through the programme.
Do I still need boosters as an adult?
Yes: the tetanus-diphtheria-pertussis booster roughly every 10 years, the yearly flu shot depending on your profile, and specific vaccinations after 65. Your doctor can check where you stand — so can MaSanté.
Why do I see different ages on different sites?
Because the calendar is in transition: the new CSS advisory (2025) is being phased in by the Communities — the Wallonia-Brussels Federation keeps its current calendar until 31 October 2026. Trust only your region's official calendar.