Young children are the most vulnerable to infectious diseases. Since every child has the right to the best possible start in life, the government offers all children living in the Netherlands vaccination against a number of infectious diseases. RIVM is responsible for the Dutch National Immunisation Programme.
Vaccination coverage in the Netherlands
The percentage of children receiving vaccinations from the National Immunisation Programme rose again last year. Another striking note is the 10% increase in HPV vaccination, rising to 63%. This represents a record high in HPV vaccination coverage. In addition, an estimated 70% of pregnant women got the 22-week vaccination to protect their baby from whooping cough. This is stated in the report on vaccination coverage and in the 2020 Annual Report on the National Immunisation Programme in the Netherlands.
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Vaccine research
RIVM conducts clinical studies on the safety and efficacy of vaccines. In addition, studies are underway to improve the National Immunisation Programme. This includes improving the vaccination schedule and reducing the number of injections. We advise the Dutch Government on immunology and vaccinology and carry out research to generate knowledge and data on the immune response to infectious diseases and to vaccinations offered in the framework of the government’s infectious disease control programme.