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).
BA.5 variant detected in the Netherlands The BA.5 variant of the coronavirus SARS-CoV-2 was detected for the first time in the Netherlands this week.
People with impaired immunity invited for repeat vaccination From 19 April on, people who have moderately or severely impaired immunity will receive their invitation for a repeat vaccination against COVID-19.
RIVM recalls fill needles for COVID-19 vaccination at supplier’s request As of today, RIVM is recalling the fill needles made by MLS/Sol-Millenium Europe as a precaution, following a safety alert from the supplier. This applies to the SOL-M™ Blunt Fill Needle (REF 110022, LOT 05103013).
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).
Impact of coronavirus outbreak on participation in National Immunisation Programme limited Participation in the vaccinations against mumps, measles and rubella (MMR) and diphtheria, pertussis (whooping cough), tetanus and polio) (DTaP-IPV) has decreased slightly among infants (-1%).
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.
Omicron subvariant BA.2 becomes dominant, decrease in hospital admissions Since this week, the Omicron subvariant BA.2 has caused the most infections in the Netherlands. 1,149 patients with a SARS-CoV-2 infection were admitted to hospital in the Netherlands in the past week*, a decrease of 18% compared to the week before t