COVID-19 vaccine uptake was lower in neighbourhoods that had proportionately higher percentages of residents from a non-Western migration background and residents who were more likely to vote for right-wing Christian and right-wing conservative political parties.

At the start of the autumn round, from mid-September 2022, the first group to be offered a repeat vaccination against COVID-19 was people with an elevated risk of a severe course of illness and care workers who have contact with patients and/or clients

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.

From this week on, RIVM will start posting updates on vaccination figures for the autumn round of the repeat vaccination against COVID-19. The autumn round started last week, on 19 September 2022.

The first invitations for a repeat vaccination against COVID-19 will be received by people in the Netherlands on 13 September 2022. RIVM will invite the oldest people first, and will then send an invitation to everyone aged 60 years and older.

Adults who have not yet had a booster jab or repeat vaccination against COVID-19 will receive a reminder letter from RIVM, starting Friday 8 July 2022.

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.