New test for Lyme disease is not reliable To determine whether someone has Lyme disease, doctors in the Netherlands often use antibody tests. For some time now, so-called cellular tests have been available on the market.
Many more infections, limited increase in hospital admissions In the past week, the number of people who tested positive for COVID-19 in the Netherlands increased by 64% compared to the week before that.
Current knowledge on microplastics in the soil is still inadequate A literature review carried out by the National Institute for Public Health and the Environment (RIVM) has concluded that reliable standard techniques should be developed to analyse microplastics in the soil.
New crisis response organisation at RIVM to control future pandemics The cabinet has agreed to the proposal of Ernst Kuipers, Minister of Health, Welfare and Sport, to set up a National Functionality for Infectious Disease Control (LFI).
Flu vaccination also available for pregnant women as of this autumn Every year, people aged 60+ and people with certain medical conditions can get the free flu vaccination. On the recommendation of the Health Council of the Netherlands, the free flu vaccination will now also be made available to pregnant women.
Launch of Integrated Health Monitor COVID-19: large-scale study on public health impact of COVID-19 RIVM, the collective Municipal Public Health Services (GGDs) in collaboration with GGD GHOR, the NIVEL Netherlands Institute for Health Services Research and ARQ National Psychotrauma Centre have developed a new monitor: the Integrated Health Monitor
The 13-week scan now available for pregnant women Since 1 September, pregnant women in the Netherlands can have an early ultrasound scan to detect physical abnormalities in their unborn child: the 13-week scan.
Vaccination coverage increases for second consecutive year, by 10% for HPV The percentage of children receiving vaccinations from the National Immunisation Programme rose again last year. Another striking note is the 10% increase in HPV vaccination, rising to 63%.
Insight into hospital admissions for acute respiratory infections In order to achieve an accurate overview of how often respiratory infections occur in the Netherlands, it is important to know how many patients are admitted to hospital with a respiratory infection.
Flu jab for additional groups The flu jab is offered free of charge every year to people aged 60 years and older, and to people who are at higher risk of becoming seriously ill from the flu virus due to medical reasons