NIPT available as standard option for all pregnant women from 1 April From 1 April 2023, the Non-Invasive Prenatal Test (NIPT) will be available to all pregnant women. They do not have to take part in a scientific study for this.
COVID-19 less severe due to Omicron variants, vaccinations and previous infections The consequences of infections involving the coronavirus SARS-CoV-2 are decreasing. This is because nearly everyone in the Netherlands has built up immunity to COVID-19 as a result of vaccination and/or previous infection, and because the current Omicron variants are less likely to cause serious illness.
Young people less likely to contact GP for mental health problems The percentage of young people who report having mental health problems has hardly decreased since the last lockdown (in early 2022).
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.
Reported COVID-19 infections are still rising, but less rapidly The number of reported COVID-19 infections continued increasing last week. However, the number of newly reported infections once again rose less quickly than in the week before that.
Coronavirus measures: public support remains high, despite concerns With the rapid increase in infections, people estimate their own risk of becoming infected as higher than it was 6 weeks ago (previously 10%, now 18%).