The care workers in the nursing homes and small-scale residential facilities are the first group eligible for a COVID-19 vaccination. They will receive the BioNTech/Pfizer vaccine. They need to be vaccinated twice, with three weeks between the first and second jab for optimal protection. After receiving the invitation, they can make an appointment for both vaccinations in their region via the call centre of the GGD. This national call centre is open seven days a week from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. and is staffed during the day by 2000 people.

First vaccinations

After the group of care workers from the nursing homes and small-scale residential facilities, employees working in disability care, district nursing and WMO-based support are invited to make an appointment for the COVID-19 vaccination. The vaccination of employees in acute care will start as soon as possible. When exactly will become clear from a plan of action developed by the National Acute Care Network (LNAZ), which is expected soon.  

Public campaign

In November 2020, the Ministry of Health, Welfare and Sport launched the public campaign on COVID-19 vaccination. The campaign is intended to help ensure that as many people as possible are vaccinated against COVID-19. The website at coronavaccinatie.nl, currently available only in Dutch, is an important part of this campaign. It provides information about the vaccines, the approach of the vaccination campaign and answers to frequently asked questions. An online communication toolkit has been developed for employers in healthcare with tools they can use to inform their employees. More information for healthcare professionals involved in implementation of the COVID-19 vaccination is provided at www.rivm.nl/en/covid-19-vaccination-for-professionals.