Why can children under twelve now be vaccinated against COVID-19, and which vaccine will children receive? Lieke Sanders, paediatric infectiologist/immunologist at RIVM, answers five frequently asked questions about COVID-19 vaccination for children aged 5-11 years. 

The RIVM newsletter informs partners, international organisations and institutions about the latest developments on health and the environment in the Netherlands and of the actions carried out by RIVM. 

RIVM has calculated the impact of different ventilation rates on the number of people who become ill due to aerogenic transmission of the coronavirus SARS-CoV-2 in indoor spaces. This video answers four questions about the research and the insights on ventilation and COVID-19. 

Following a period of relaxed measures, the sharp increase in infection rates and hospital admissions led to the implementation of a new suite of measures just prior to the current survey round (24-28 November). Staying 1.5 metres apart was required again, the advice to work from home was elevated to an urgent recommendation, and opening hours for cafés, restaurants and shops were restricted. As a result of the unfavourable epidemiological figures, the perceived threat of the COVID-19 virus has increased considerably. Survey participants are just as worried about the virus again now as they were last winter.

What is the difference between flu and COVID-19? Why does one person become very ill while another does not? Dr Rianne van Gageldonk, epidemiologist for respiratory infections at RIVM, answers four questions about flu and COVID-19. 

This video explains when and how to use a COVID-19 self-test.

This video answers three questions about COVID-19 booster vaccination: Which vaccines are used for booster vaccinations? Why use combined vaccinations? Is there a difference between the vaccines made by Moderna and Pfizer?