On this page you will find information about flu and the flu vaccine. If you are 60 years of age or older or have certain health problems you will get an invitation letter from your general practitioner (GP).

The Netherlands is a densely populated country with great pressure on the environment. The Dutch government needs to make smart use of the options available to maintain a clean, healthy and safe environment.

RIVM monitors public health in the Netherlands and the factors that have impact on health. In support of public health, studies and investigations are carried out on the safety of medical products and pharmaceuticals, and on food and nutrition. We also monitor life style factors in the Netherlands because physical activity, diet and smoking behaviour all have an impact on public health. Studies are undertaken, for instance, on salt intake and on the health risks of being overweight.

In the Netherlands, effective prevention and control of infectious diseases is the joint responsibility of a network of health organisations and professionals. RIVM Infectious Diseases and Vaccinology Division, also known as Centre for Infectious Disease Control, is the national knowledge centre and coordinator, providing policy advice to the Dutch Government and supporting professionals in health care and public health.

RIVM conducts research on influenza and vaccination in the Netherlands. Using the data collected, RIVM gives insight into the key facts and figures on flu and the flu vaccine. Facts and figures are required to develop measures to combat flu epidemics. RIVM is responsible for mapping these facts and figures and carries out on-going surveillance in cooperation with partners.

The National Institute for Public Health and the Environment (RIVM) is an official knowledge institute of the Dutch government. We work on the basis of commissioned projects and are independent in how we do our work. The course of our work is guided by our strategy, which is determined every five years on the basis of new developments in society. The RIVM2030 strategy consists of a mission, vision, core values and strategic priorities.

SimpleTreat is an assessment tool for the fate of substances in waste water treatment plants. The tool considers the most important processes like volatilization, mixing, adsorption and degradation.