295 reports of suspected side effects of implants in 2023 In 2023, 295 individuals reported one or more suspected side effects of implants to RIVM’s Dutch Reporting Centre for Adverse Effects of Medical Implants (MEBI).
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 cervical cancer screening campaign under way Today sees the kick-off of the national campaign: Let’s talk about cervical cancer – have you #done the smear test or self-test yet? This marks the first time that RIVM, Bevolkingsonderzoek Nederland and the KWF Dutch Cancer Society are launching a joint campaign to call attention to cervical cancer screening.
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.
Self-sampling device to be sent automatically, making it easier to take part in cervical cancer screening From the first week of July, every woman turning 30 will receive a self-sampling device with their invitation for cervical cancer screening. Participants can use this device to collect their own vaginal material.
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.
MEBI: 193 reports of suspected side effects of implants in 2022 In 2022, 193 individuals reported suspected side effects of implants to RIVM’s Dutch Reporting Centre for Adverse Effects of Medical Implants (MEBI). Most reports received concerned breast implants, copper IUDs and wrinkle fillers. This is highlighted in MEBI’s annual report.
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).
More than two million invitations to get vaccinated against HPV in 2023 In early 2023, 1.3 million young adults will receive an invitation to get vaccinated against the human papillomavirus (HPV). This group comprises around 900,000 men and 400,000 women between the ages of 19 and 27.