In the spring of 2026, the Health Council of the Netherlands provided an advisory report on the target groups that should be eligible for the COVID-19 vaccination in autumn 2026. The Minister of Health, Welfare and Sport (VWS) has adopted this advice.
People who are aged 70 years or older, aged 50 to 69 with underlying health conditions, or others with impaired immunity have a higher risk of severe illness from COVID-19. Some adults and children in medical high-risk groups have an underlying health condition or medication that causes a higher risk of severe illness due to COVID-19, even if they are vaccinated. In this context, severe illness means that the person would have to be admitted to hospital with severe pneumonia or low oxygen levels, and could even die from the infection.
In 2026, the COVID-19 vaccination remains available to adults and children in the medical high-risk groups if the treating physician advises a vaccination. This requires a referral (preferably in writing) to the Municipal Public Health Service (GGD).