Public opinion: keep society open and continue providing healthcare during COVID-19 surge In the long-term approach to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Dutch government is assigning a key role to civil society and private citizens. When asked what their priorities are in that context, the answer was to prevent delays in surgical interventions.
Repeat vaccination against COVID-19 now also available for over-60s People aged 60 to 69 years (and people who turn 60 this year) will also have the opportunity to make an appointment for an extra COVID-19 vaccination. Minister Kuipers decided this based on advice from the Health Council of the Netherlands.
Janssen booster possible as of 25 March People in the Netherlands who cannot get a booster with an mRNA vaccine for medical reasons, or do not want an mRNA vaccine as a booster, can make an appointment for a booster vaccination with Janssen from Wednesday 23 March on.
Protection from COVID-19 booster wanes slightly after 3 months among over-70s In the period from 1 February to 8 March 2022, the first indications were observed that protection against hospital admission after COVID-19 booster vaccination decreases over time in people over 7
Novavax vaccine available The Novavax vaccine is a protein-based vaccine which can offer an alternative for people who are hesitant about immunisation with an mRNA vaccine or vector vaccine, or for people who have a contraindication for mRNA vaccines.
Staying 1.5 metres apart is growing more difficult Staying 1.5 metres apart seems to be more and more difficult for people to manage.
Mortality still significantly elevated between 30 April and 6 May, but much lower than in previous weeks The total mortality rate in the Netherlands was significantly elevated in the week of 30 April to 6 May 2020. However, excess mortality was much lower than in previous weeks.
The 1.5-metre society is difficult to maintain Personal hygiene measures, such as not shaking hands, or using paper tissues, are not considered a problem by most Dutch people.
COVID-19 in nursing homes is stabilising The number of new nursing homes with COVID-19 patients is stabilising.
Rapid diagnostic tests are not reliable The Serology Task Force of the National Coordination Centre for Testing Capacity – a partnership between RIVM, hospitals and laboratories – has collected research results on rapid diagnostic tests