European prize for mobile vaccination units The Netherlands’ mobile vaccination units (prikbussen) have been selected as a best-practice method for the European project ‘Overcoming Obstacles to Vaccination’.
Concerns over falling vaccination coverage within National Immunisation Programme The percentage of children vaccinated within the National Immunisation Programme (NIP) has fallen for the second year in a row, according to the 2022 report ‘Vaccination Coverage and Annual Report of the Dutch National Immunisation Programme'. RIVM is concerned about this decline.
Number of participants in Combined Lifestyle Intervention tops 73,000 By the end of 2022, the number of participants in the Combined Lifestyle Intervention (CLI) had grown to over 73,000. This is according to a semi-annual report by RIVM. The figure represents a 51% increase since the end of May 2022. The number of participants was around 48,000 at that time.
Spring sunshine forecast: enjoy, but do not get a sunburn According to the Royal Netherlands Meteorological Institute, the sun will be shining frequently the upcoming days. If you are planning to go out and enjoy the sunshine, please do so responsibly.
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.
Dutch people eat more healthy foods: more plant products, less red and processed meat Dutch people are eating and drinking more healthily. We know this because of RIVM’s new Dutch National Food Consumption Survey (Voedselconsumptiepeiling, VCP). Dutch people are eating more plant products, like fruit and vegetables, unsalted nuts and legumes.
Provisional figures on participation in the National Immunisation Programme According to RIVM’s registration system, at least 90% of babies have been vaccinated against mumps, measles and rubella (MMR).
Incorrect emission factors used for some farms included in list of top 100 ammonia emitters At the request of the Dutch House of Representatives, RIVM compiled a list of the 100 biggest ammonia emitters in the Netherlands. Recently, the underlying data used to compile this list were disclosed pursuant to a request under the Open Government Act.
Higher alert level for Ebola There is an Ebola outbreak in several regions of Uganda that are also frequented by tourists. RIVM therefore asks medical professionals to be alert to symptoms that could indicate Ebola among people who have travelled to Uganda, and to request diagnostics to rule out or confirm Ebola.
RIVM creates overview of nitrogen monitoring in water in Europe At the behest of the European Parliament, the National Institute for Public Health and the Environment (RIVM) has formulated a report on how EU member states are dealing with European regulations on nitrogen in water (nitrate). Michel Looyenstein