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Vaccination coronavirus

Get vaccinated. The vaccine protects you and those around you from the coronavirus and it is free.

How does a vaccine work?

  • The vaccine causes your body to make antibodies. 
  • Those antibodies help to fight the virus. 
  • If you are then exposed to the virus, the antibodies will protect you. 

Why should you get vaccinated?

  • To protect yourself and the people around you.

The coronavirus is dangerous to many people around you: 

  • those over 65
  • people with lung, heart or vascular disease 
  • people with diabetes or a reduced immune system (for example people who have cancer)

But the virus can also be dangerous for young, healthy people.

  • To prevent the spread of the virus.

If more than 70% of all people in Belgium are vaccinated, the virus will spread less quickly. This is called herd immunity

  •  Your life will get back to normal faster.
  • It makes your body stronger against the virus.

Continue to follow the measures against the coronavirus until enough people have been vaccinated. Keep 1.5 meters distance, wear a face mask and wash your hands often.

2 injections in the upper arm
Injection in the upper arm

How do you get the vaccine?

  • You will receive an injection in the upper arm
  • For most vaccines, you will receive a second injection a few weeks after the first injection
  • 14 days after the injection you are sufficiently protected against the coronavirus
  •  Because the protection begins to decline after a few months, it is highly recommended that you get a booster shot. This is a third injection a few months after you have been fully vaccinated.
Booster shot

Is the vaccine safe?

  • People have a lot of expertise with making vaccines. Scientists around the world worked hard to create the vaccine in a short period of time. 
  • The vaccine has first been carefully tested by several independent bodies. It is safe. 

Can you develop problems after the vaccination?
You may develop

  • some redness, pain or swelling in your upper arm
  • fatigue
  •  headache
  • a little higher temperature

This is normal and not a big deal, the side effects disappear after a few hours or days.

Will everyone get a vaccine?
Yes. All people can be vaccinated.

  • A vaccine is not recommended for some people: for example, people with an elevated temperature or reduced immunity (for example, from cancer). Contact your doctor for more information. 
  • Children (under 5) are not yet vaccinated.
  • The vaccine is not obligatory.

When will you get a vaccine?

  • Do you live in a reception centre? When it is your turn, the staff at the reception centre will inform you. 
  • Do you not live in a reception centre? You will receive a letter, SMS or e-mail with your appointment for the first and second vaccinations. You must confirm your appointment and go to a vaccination centre in your area.

You will receive an appointment (date and time) for your vaccination. Don't miss your appointment! 

Vaccination Covid-19
More information?
Coronavirus: multilingual information Invitation lettre vaccination centre (Flanders) Coronavirus measures
Flyer 'Booster shot against coronavirus'