The implementation guidelines for COVID-19 vaccination have been updated. The latest version of the implementation guidelines is always available online (in Dutch). Section 1.3 outlines all major changes compared to the previous version; more minor interim changes are listed under Version Management (at the end of the document).The implementation guidelines have been updated to include six minor changes in the vaccination programme:

1. A booster vaccination with the COVID-19 vaccine Comirnaty (Pfizer/BionTech) will be available for young people aged 12 years and older from 7 March 2022 on.
2. As of 14 March 2022, the COVID-19 vaccine Nuvaxovid (Novavax) will be available for use in the basic series of COVID-19 vaccinations.
3. After a basic series consisting of the COVID-19 vaccine made by Janssen, one booster vaccination is sufficient. Because a second dose of an mRNA vaccine is required for some travel destinations, the Minister has decided that this additional dose of mRNA vaccine may be administered as appropriate.
4. Although it is generally preferred to use an mRNA vaccine for the booster vaccination, it is possible in case of contraindications and special groups to use Janssen’s COVID-19 vaccine for a booster dose. The specific situations in which this is possible and individual exceptions without medical necessity have been clarified in the guidelines.
5. Since there is no evidence of interaction between COVID-19 vaccines and other vaccines, and it is no longer necessary to use an interval for the purpose of monitoring adverse reactions, the interval has been discontinued. 
6. The shelf-life of Janssen’s COVID-19 vaccine has been updated: after thawing, the vaccine can be kept for 11 months.

The war situation in Ukraine has led to a large number of refugees leaving the country. Many refugees have arrived in neighbouring countries, and refugees from Ukraine are also being received in the Netherlands. The municipalities are responsible for receiving the refugees, and the various security regions are looking for locations and setting up reception facilities. Some of the refugees are also expected to be hosted by private individuals.

Several different vaccines have been approved and used for COVID-19 vaccination in Ukraine. An overview is available on the international vaccine tracker website: Ukraine – COVID-19 Vaccine Tracker (trackvaccines.org).

COVID-19 vaccination coverage in Ukraine is low, only about 35% for the basic series; few people in Ukraine have received a booster vaccination. For that reason, all refugees from Ukraine should be given the opportunity to be vaccinated against COVID-19 as quickly and easily as possible, in accordance with the current implementation guidelines. They can go to walk-in vaccination clinics or make an appointment for vaccination by the Municipal Public Health Services (GGDs). The GGD may also decide to administer vaccinations on location. It is especially important to motivate vulnerable groups (such as older people or people with underlying health conditions) to receive vaccinations and boosters in accordance with the guidelines. 

For answers to frequently asked questions, see Questions and background information about COVID-19 vaccination.