Smokers inhale more tar, nicotine and carbon monoxide when measured with WHO method RIVM has measured the amount of tar, nicotine and carbon monoxide (TNCO) in all filter cigarettes sold in the Netherlands with the WHO Intense method.
Darker cigarettes and other measures to make cigarettes less appealing There are a number of measures that can be implemented to make cigarettes less appealing and less addictive. For example, manufacturers could make cigarettes a darker colour. They could also stop using ingredients like sugars and flavourings.
RIVM prepares a recommended list of banned substances in tobacco products and e-cigarettes The goal of the European Tobacco Products Directive is to make tobacco products and e-cigarettes less harmful, addictive and attractive. The directive does not specifically state which substances are not allowed in tobacco products and e-cigarettes.
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.