News | RIVM

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).

National Immunisation Programme: new decline in number of reported cases of disease in 2021

In 2021, fewer people contracted diseases for which vaccines are offered under the National Immunisation Programme (NIP) than before the coronavirus pandemic. This is very likely largely due to the impact of the coronavirus measures, such as social distancing and hand washing.

Patient with cutaneous diphtheria in reception centre

This week, a refugee from Syria was found to be infected with the diphtheria bacterium. The patient has been treated with antibiotics. The patient’s contacts have been tested and vaccinated.

Cancer screening programmes now more accessible to transgender and intersex persons

Since October 2022, is it has become easier for transgender and intersex persons to take part in cervical cancer screening and breast cancer screening. Transgender and intersex persons with a uterus and/or breast tissue can register with Bevolkingsonderzoek Nederland.

Side effect reports National Immunisation Programme 2021

Last year, the Netherlands Pharmacovigilance Centre Lareb received 1,462 reports of possible side effects from vaccines administered under the National Immunisation Programme. As was the case in previous years, no new, disconcerting side effects have

Participation in National Immunisation Programme shows slight decrease

Participation in the National Immunisation Programme has fallen slightly, showing a decrease of 1 to 2 percentage points.

From 1 June 2022, heel prick test also screens for muscle disease SMA, bringing number of screened diseases to 26

From 1 June 2022, the heel prick test for Dutch newborns will also screen for spinal muscular atrophy (SMA). SMA is a serious hereditary muscle condition. Detecting this disease at an early stage enables early treatment.

Tailor-made information will help immigrants make decisions on taking part in screening programmes

Immigrants are relatively less likely to take part in preventive screening programmes, such as cancer screening. This is partly due to the language barrier and a lack of knowledge, according to a doctoral thesis by Nora Hamdiui.

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%).

Vader en moeder spelen met jonge kinderen met speelgoed

RIVM expands HPV vaccination programme: girls and boys protected from six types of cancer with one vaccine

Now not only girls, but also boys will have the opportunity to protect themselves from cancer caused by HPV.