RIVM has been publishing national and regional figures on COVID-19 vaccination in the Netherlands every week since 19 January 2021.

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.

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.

From 19 April on, people who have moderately or severely impaired immunity will receive their invitation for a repeat vaccination against COVID-19.

As of today, RIVM is recalling the fill needles made by MLS/Sol-Millenium Europe as a precaution, following a safety alert from the supplier. This applies to the SOL-M™ Blunt Fill Needle (REF 110022, LOT 05103013). 

People aged 60 to 69 years (and people who turn 60 this year) will also have the opportunity to make an appointment for an extra COVID-19 vaccination. Minister Kuipers decided this based on advice from the Health Council of the Netherlands.

People in the Netherlands who cannot get a booster with an mRNA vaccine for medical reasons, or do not want an mRNA vaccine as a booster, can make an appointment for a booster vaccination with Janssen from Wednesday 23 March on. 

In the period from 1 February to 8 March 2022, the first indications were observed that protection against hospital admission after COVID-19 booster vaccination decreases over time in people over 7

The Novavax vaccine is a protein-based vaccine which can offer an alternative for people who are hesitant about immunisation with an mRNA vaccine or vector vaccine, or for people who have a contraindication for mRNA vaccines. 

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).