News | RIVM

RIVM formulates criteria for R&D of sustainable pharmaceuticals

As part of an international research project, RIVM has formulated criteria for R&D of sustainable new pharmaceuticals. These GREENER criteria are an important first step to develop pharmaceuticals that do not impact the environment..

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.

Towards a sustainable, healthy future for everyone: EU project INHERIT offers policy solutions

Today, on 10 December a policy toolkit will be presented at the final conference of the European four-year research project INHERIT.

Updated immunisation recommendation for measles: early vaccination before travel

A number of European countries are currently seeing outbreaks of measles. Before the start of the summer season, RIVM has therefore updated its immunisation recommendation for measles.

Risk of measles outbreaks increases with decreasing vaccination coverage

Vaccination coverage for vaccinations in the Dutch National Vaccination Program (NIP) decreased slightly by about half a percent for the third consecutive year.

Blood spot test extended as of 1 January 2017 to include two more disorders

As of 1 January 2017, the disorders alpha and beta thalassaemia will be added to the neonatal blood spot (‘heel prick’) screening programme.

Measles epidemic and Salmonella outbreak cost nearly six million euros

The most recent measles epidemic and outbreak of Salmonella Thomson due to smoked salmon have cost 3.9 and 1.7 million euros, respectively.

Newborn heel prick screening starts on St Eustatius and Saba

On 26 October 2015, heel prick screening started for all newborns on St Eustatius and Saba.

No more complementary vaccinations against measles for children aged six months

The measles epidemic, the first case of which occurred in the Netherlands in May 2013, is coming to an end.

Teenage girl dies after measles infection

Last weekend, a 17-year-old girl from the province of Zeeland (The Netherlands) has died of complications after a measles infection. She was not vaccinated against the disease.