This page presents an overview of all the ongoing and concluded research at RIVM related to COVID-19 and the coronavirus SARS-CoV-2. The studies conducted by RIVM have included such diverse topics as transmission and spread of the virus, risk factors for serious disease, immunity and vaccine effectiveness, human behaviour, physical and mental health, and impacts on health and healthcare in the Netherlands.

RIVM has been conducting research to track the coronavirus SARS-CoV-2 in the Netherlands since February 2020. Its ongoing activities include coronavirus monitoring based on test results recorded by the Municipal Public Health Services (GGDs) as well as hospital and ICU admissions related to COVID-19. More recently, sewage surveillance has been expanded to include SARS-CoV-2 and other pathogens, while pathogen surveillance focuses on identifying emerging sub-variants.

Monitoring the coronavirus SARS-CoV-2

Research on vaccine-induced protection

  • Vaccine effectiveness in preventing hospital admissions
    Research on COVID-19 vaccine effectiveness
  • CONTEST study
    Risk factors for COVID-19: CONTEST study
  • IIVAC Study (in Dutch)
    Immune responses generated through vaccination against COVID-19
  • VASCO study
    Research on the effectiveness of the COVID-19 vaccinations
  • VECTOR study
    Vaccine effectiveness against COVID-19 related hospital admissions in risk groups
  • VIDO study
    Research on immunity after COVID-19 vaccination
  • VIVO study (in Dutch)
    Research on immune response after COVID-19 vaccination in comparison to vaccination against pneumococcal disease or influenza (flu)
  • VOCAAL study (in Dutch)
    Research on immune response to COVID-19 vaccinations in people aged 64 years and older

Research on behaviour and lifestyle

Research on physical and mental health

Research on healthcare

Research on the impact of the living environment