The number of newborn babies in the Netherlands who are seriously ill due to whooping cough has been increasingly rapidly in recent weeks. About 110 confirmed cases of whooping cough are now being diagnosed every week among children in the Netherlands, including nearly 20 infants.

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.

Plant protection products are used to protect crops against disease and pests. These products may only be used if they have no adverse effect on humans and the environment. To ensure this, they are tested and assessed extensively. New plant protection products are currently being developed on the basis of double-stranded RNA.

More patients with pneumonia visited their GP from August 2023 on than in previous years. The rise in cases of pneumonia among children, adolescents and young adults aged 5–25 years is particularly notable.

Hydrogen is a sustainable energy source that could play an important role in the energy transition. Hydrogen can be transported and stored using liquid hydrogen carriers. As highlighted in a study performed by the National Institute for Public Health and the Environment (RIVM), these chemicals can be – or can form – Substances of Very High Concern (SVHC, in Dutch ‘ZZS’).

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.

Too many medicine residues end up in surface water. RIVM has investigated the impact on surface water resulting from five painkillers that are also available without a prescription.

In the 2023 autumn round, more than 2,731,000 people in the Netherlands received a COVID-19 vaccination. Vaccination coverage for people over 60 is currently 50.5%. Vaccination coverage varies by age group and region. COVID-19 vaccination was available until 22 December 2023.

The Dutch government wants to reduce the percentage of people who smoke, are overweight or whose alcohol consumption is problematic. To this end, the National Prevention Agreement was drawn up in 2018, with ambitions for 2040. The 2040 ambitions for all three theme’s will not be achieved.

From 2024, rotavirus vaccination will be included in the National Immunisation Programme (NIP). Rotavirus can cause severe diarrhoea and dehydration in babies, in some cases requiring them to be hospitalised.