European prize for mobile vaccination units The Netherlands’ mobile vaccination units (prikbussen) have been selected as a best-practice method for the European project ‘Overcoming Obstacles to Vaccination’.
Number of reported illnesses related to food consumption increases each year In 2022, there were 1,165 reported outbreaks of food-related infections. An outbreak means that two or more people become ill after consuming the same food. A total of 4,470 people became ill.
RIVM modelling for COVID-19 reviewed by international experts An international audit committee of scientific experts, commissioned by the RIVM Scientific Advisory Board, reviewed the institute’s COVID-19 data analytics and modelling work. These models and data formed a scientific basis for recommendations by the Outbreak Management Team (OMT) and others on COVID-19 control measures in the Netherlands.
COVID-19 vaccination for risk groups: over-60s, flu vaccine group, care workers and pregnant women From 19 September 2023 on, the first people will receive an invitation for COVID-19 vaccination. The first invitations will be sent by RIVM to people aged 60 years and older.
Sizeable decrease in greenhouse gas emissions in 2022 n 2022 the emission of greenhouse gasses was 7,9 percent lower than in 2021. This is mainly due to the high prices of natural gas. Therefore less natural gas was consumed by the industrial sector, built environment and the agricultural sector. Another factor was the mild winter compared to 2021.
Sustainable agriculture: stimulate the creation of arable field margins through a more equal distribution of costs and benefits Sowing flowers in arable field margins contributes to sustainable agriculture. It enhances biodiversity, and farmers need to use fewer pesticides on their crops. There are also major benefits to society, such as cleaner surface water and a more inviting landscape for recreational activities and exercising.
Gastrointestinal symptoms on the rise, but still fewer than before the COVID-19 pandemic In 2022, the number of enteric infections – which mainly cause gastrointestinal symptoms – was higher than it was in the previous two years. However, the total number of infections was still lower than before the coronavirus pandemic.
ICER 2023: Circular targets remain out of reach The Netherlands aims to have a fully circular economy by 2050 and halve its use of raw materials by 2030. In recent years, however, little progress has been made in either regard.
RIVM describes building blocks of future-proof soil strategy Soil use is becoming increasingly intensive. From use for agriculture and housing construction to recreation and infrastructure. At the same time, we also depend on the soil-watersystem for a healthy living environment, restore biodiversity, countering climate change, energy transition, absorption of rainwater and keeping groundwater clean.
Vaccination coverage for autumn round: Downward trend in Health & Welfare sector continues – 69% of nationwide medical high-risk groups were vaccinated At the start of the autumn round, from mid-September 2022, the first group to be offered a repeat vaccination against COVID-19 was people with an elevated risk of a severe course of illness and care workers who have contact with patients and/or clients