No reduction in number of young people with suicidal thoughts In March 2023, 14.1% of young people in the Netherlands (aged 12-25 years) reported seriously thinking about ending their life occasionally, often or very often.
From 1 October 2023, heel prick test also screens for metabolic disorder ALD From 1 October 2023, the blood of newborn babies will also be tested for the metabolic disorder adrenoleukodystrophy (ALD). This is done with the heel prick screening test.
European air quality limit values can be met if proposed policy measures are implemented In 2022, the European Commission introduced a proposal for stricter air quality standards. With existing policy measures, the air quality in most of the Netherlands will meet these requirements by 2030.
Brief decline in air quality over Easter RIVM expects the air quality to be poor or very poor for a brief period over Easter, particularly in areas where Easter fires are lit. This is because the burning of wood leads to high local concentrations of particulate matter in the air. These high concentrations may cause health problems. People affected by these problems are advised to avoid strenuous physical activity.
Safe recycling of textiles possible, but still in its infancy Textiles are produced using chemicals. Although many hazardous chemicals may no longer be used in textile production, they may still be present in donations of old clothing. RIVM has conducted a study into the safety of recycled textiles.
People aged 70 and up invited for repeat vaccination against COVID-19 People aged 70 years and older living in the Netherlands may receive an invitation for a repeat booster against COVID-19 from 26 February 2022 on. They can make an appointment for vaccination by the Municipal Public Health Services (GGDs).
Booster vaccination prevents many hospital and ICU admissions In the period from 26 January to 8 February 2022, the COVID-19 vaccines were 92% effective in preventing hospital admission after the booster, and 55% effective after the basic vaccinations.
Weekly vaccination figures per neighbourhood available through open data As of today, RIVM will publish weekly updates on vaccination turnout and vaccination coverage per neighbourhood in the Netherlands, both cumulative and broken down by calendar week.
Boosters improve diminished protection against Omicron infection after basic COVID-19 vaccination or previous infection Vaccination or previous infection with the coronavirus SARS-CoV-2 provide less effective protection against the Omicron variant compared to the Delta variant. A COVID-19 booster vaccination ensures renewed protection against Omicron.
Need for circular use of materials in construction Construction and demolition waste are being recycled on a large scale to use as a foundation for e.g. roads, but recycled building materials are hardly ever used in the construction of buildings.