There are many different types of viruses, including a family known as the ‘coronaviruses’. Examples of the coronaviruses are Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS-CoV), Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS-CoV1) and SARS-CoV-2. Coronaviruses mostly affect the respiratory system.

RIVM informs doctors and other care providers about the administration of the COVID-19 vaccinations in the Netherlands. Activities include arranging storage, transport and distribution of the vaccines, and developing a national registration system.  For general information about the COVID-19 vaccination, see Government.nl.

RIVM is investigating how the novel coronavirus spreads among the general population in the Netherlands. In the PIENTER Corona Study, we are collecting information about antibodies in the blood of the people who are participating. By doing so, RIVM aims to learn more about protecting people from the virus.

The coronavirus SARS-CoV-2 causes coronavirus disease 2019, abbreviated as COVID-19. COVID-19 symptoms are similar to symptoms of a common cold at first. However, the disease can cause severe pneumonia, which can be fatal. 

The ‘Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus’ (MERS-CoV) is a fairly new type of coronavirus that was discovered in September 2012 which may cause severe symptoms, in particular among people who suffer from underlying conditions. The virus owes its name to the region where it presented itself for the first time and where most cases have been found: the Middle East.