Coronavirus monitoring in sewage research expanded and extended Since March 2020, RIVM has been working with the water boards in the Netherlands to monitor sewage for traces of the coronavirus SARS-CoV-2. The measurements are an important supplement to other COVID-19 studies.
Fewer cases, higher percentage of positive tests In the week of 31 March to 6 April, 48,186 people in the Netherlands received a positive test result for COVID-19. That is a decrease of 7% compared to the week before.
New hold on vaccination with AstraZeneca for people under 60 years The Ministry of Health, Welfare and Sport (VWS) has decided to stop vaccinating with the COVID-19 vaccine made by AstraZeneca for people under 60 (born in 1961 or later), effectively from now until Wednesday.
People born 1947-1951 invited for COVID-19 vaccination starting 6 April Starting Tuesday 6 April, the first people in the next age group will receive an invitation from RIVM for a COVID-19 vaccination. These people were born in the years from 1947 through 1951.
Single vaccination after COVID-19 infection within the past six months Starting today, people who tested positive for COVID-19 in the past six months can indicate when scheduling a vaccination appointment that they only want one vaccine dose.
Dutch health similar to health in neighbouring countries The health of the Dutch population is broadly in line with that of our neighbours.
Risk assessment method for gene drives RIVM and partner organisations from England, Germany and Belgium have developed a method to assess the risks of gene drives in laboratories.
Director-general André van der Zande receives Royal honours On Thursday, June 28th, our departing director-general André van der Zande received a Royal decoration from the Dutch Minister of Health, Welfare and Sport, Hugo de Jonge.
Antibiotics are often used correctly, but improvements are still possible General practitioners in the Netherlands are prescribing antibiotics less frequently. No drop has been observed in hospitals.
Frequently used cancer medicines do not harm plants and animals in water Most cytostatics (medication for chemotherapy), tumor specific immunotherapy and hormone therapy don’t harm plants and animals in surface water.