RIVM European Reference Lab for vector-borne infections The European Commission (EC) has designated RIVM as the current European Reference Lab (EURL) for vector-borne viral pathogens.
Nitrogen and nature approach shows progress towards 2030, but targets are out of reach The nitrogen and nature measures that the government has implemented since 2021 are expected to make a positive contribution to the future quality of nature. The average exceedance of the critical loads for nitrogen deposition will decrease by a third up to 2030.
Start of rotavirus vaccinations This week saw the start of babies being vaccinated against the rotavirus. This vaccination is included in the Dutch National Immunisation Programme as of this year. All parents of babies born on or after 1 January 2024 will receive an invitation for this.
National Immunisation Programme: slightly more cases in 2022, but fewer than before the COVID-19 pandemic In 2022, a slightly higher number of people in the Netherlands contracted diseases covered by the National Immunisation Programme (NIP) compared to 2021. This increase is likely due to the easing of coronavirus measures, such as social distancing.
New Zoonoses Report out now: avian flu most notable outbreak in 2022 Throughout 2022, the Netherlands faced a persistent avian flu outbreak, affecting 76 poultry farms. The virus also infected numerous wild birds and various wild mammals. These findings are presented in the Zoonoses Report, an annual publication issued jointly by RIVM and the Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority (NVWA).
No changes to chromium (VI) adverse health effect list No changes will be made to the list of adverse health effects that may be caused by exposure to chromium (VI) in the workplace. According to RIVM, the latest scientific literature has resulted in no new insights.
Natura 2000 sites: nitrogen deposition on the decline, but still too high for much of nature The amount of nitrogen deposited on nature reserves that are vulnerable to this is falling. However, this decline is not sufficient to meet the targets the Dutch government has set itself. This is the conclusion of the RIVM monitoring report ‘Nitrogen deposition in Natura 2000 areas 2023’.
COVID-19 vaccination for risk groups: over-60s, flu vaccine group, care workers and pregnant women From 19 September 2023 on, the first people will receive an invitation for COVID-19 vaccination. The first invitations will be sent by RIVM to people aged 60 years and older.
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.
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.