The first mental health clients in inpatient or residential care in four large institutions in the Netherlands will be vaccinated against COVID-19 this week. Both clients and care workers will receive a vaccine from the institution’s own medical department. This first round involves about 8,000 people. They will be vaccinated with the AstraZeneca vaccine. People aged 65 and older will receive the Moderna vaccine as soon as it is available. The next institutions are expected to receive deliveries of the AstraZeneca vaccine in week 10.
In total, about 22,000 mental health clients and 42,500 employees who care for them are eligible for vaccination. The residents and employees of the mental health institutions that will be starting this week have already been notified. Prior to vaccination, explicit permission is sought from the client or the client’s legal representative.
Intramural mental health clients
The 22,000 people in the target group include mental health clients receiving inpatient or residential care in institutions. This also includes people admitted to the psychiatric wards of general hospitals (PAAZ) and psychiatric university clinics (PUK). Finally, this group also includes people who have been detained in a secure clinic under hospital order (TBS).
Vaccination strategy
The order in which groups are vaccinated is determined by the Ministry of Health, Welfare and Sport (VWS). The advisory reports of the Health Council of the Netherlands are used as guidance. The start date for vaccination of the various target groups depends on vaccine availability. For the latest order of vaccination, please visit www.coronavaccinatie.nl.