Young children are the most vulnerable to infectious diseases. Since every child has the right to the best possible start in life, the government offers all children living in the Netherlands vaccination against a number of infectious diseases. Parents do not have to pay for the vaccinations offered by the National Immunisation Programme.
Vaccination coverage in the Netherlands
In 2024, the percentage of babies and toddlers that were vaccinated in the framework of the National Immunisation Programme appears to have decreased slightly compared to 2023. During the same period, there was a clear increase in vaccination coverage for the HPV vaccination, which children receive around the age of 10 years. The increase was higher among boys than among girls. These findings are from the report on ‘Vaccination Coverage of the Dutch National Immunisation Programme – 2025’. In addition, there was a slight increase in vaccination against whooping cough (pertussis) and flu during pregnancy. High vaccination coverage is important in order to continue protecting people against serious diseases. When vaccination coverage decreases, outbreaks of these diseases happen more often. In 2024, there were a striking number of cases of whooping cough, measles and mumps in the Netherlands.
Role of RIVM
RIVM is responsible for the Dutch National Immunisation Programme (NIP). RIVM also conducts clinical studies on the safety and efficacy of vaccines. Studies are underway to improve the National Immunisation Programme. This includes improving the vaccination schedule and reducing the number of vaccinations. RIVM advises the Dutch Government on immunology and vaccinology and carries out research to generate knowledge and data on the immune response to infectious diseases and to vaccinations offered in the framework of the government’s infectious disease control programme.
In the SocioVax research programme RIVM investigates what factors play a role in choosing whether or not to participate in the National Immunisation Programme and which approach is most effective for giving people accurate information and assisting them in making that choice. Visit behavioural science for more information about research on willingness to vaccinate and addressing vaccine hesitancy.