English Abstract This report summarizes the current policy of
vaccination for influenza in the Netherlands. The department of the Chief
Medical Officer of Health recommends vaccination of limited risk groups.
Old age, without further medical indication, is not considered to be a risk
factor. The vaccination coverage of the recommended risk groups is
estimated to be about 30%. This estimate cannot be confirmed since there
are no detailed (age specific) prevalence figures on these risk factors, as
there are no figures on the number of vaccins distributed in the
Netherlands. In the current opinion, vaccination for influenza is
considered to be a task of the general medical practitioner. This view is
shared by the Influenza Vaccination Support Committee, as stated in this
report. Computerized record systems in Dutch general practices would
facilitate the determination of the actual size of the risk groups. Such
systems would also facilitate vaccination campaigns among risk groups.In
the Netherlands initiatives for implementing these systems are taken. Until
computerized record systems are established in general practices, general
medical practitioners should be supported in achieving a better vaccination
coverage. A major role is to be played by the local health authorities
Government, health insurances, patient platforms, local health authorities
and drug companies could all take part in information campaigns, with
appropriate coordination. Renewed efforts aimed at improved influenza
vaccination coverage should join locally existing initiatives. Several of
these joined initiatives have been launched. Currently this seems to be the
most promising approach.
