RIVM Newsletter

By Sunday 26 September, it is estimated that more than 23.5 million vaccinations had been administered in the Netherlands. More than 12.8 million of those were first vaccinations, and more than 10.7 million were second vaccinations. It is estimated that 86.3% of all people over 18 have received a first vaccination, and 82.4% are fully vaccinated. Looking at all people over 12 years old, 84.0% have received a first vaccination, and 80.0% are fully vaccinated. Figures on the COVID-19 vaccination programme are published every Tuesday on the RIVM website. We also publish progress reports in the newsletter on COVID-19 vaccination for professionals. All issues are available online.

RIVM, the collective Municipal Public Health Services (GGDs) in collaboration with GGD GHOR, the NIVEL Netherlands Institute for Health Services Research and ARQ National Psychotrauma Centre – joined in the Network for Health Research in Disasters (GOR) – have developed a new monitor: the Integrated Health Monitor COVID-19. This wide-ranging, practice-based health study offers insight into how the COVID-19 crisis has affected physical and mental health in the general population of the Netherlands. Read more.

RIVM collected dustfall samples in various towns in the vicinity of Tata Steel and found more polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and metals in the towns of Wijk aan Zee, Beverwijk, Velsen-Noord and IJmuiden than outside the IJmond region. Children playing outdoors and indoors come into contact with dust in the living environment. Exposure to the quantities of lead and PAHs in this dust is detrimental to children’s health. Read more.

The Dutch government wants to replace fossil energy sources with energy that has less impact on the environment. However, renewable sources such as solar and wind energy, can also have negative effects on health and safety (occupational safety and risks to the living environment). RIVM has conducted an investigation into the possible effects. Read more about this research (in Dutch, English abstract available).

RIVM provides information about the health effects of a changing climate, measures to combat climate change and measures to mitigate the impact of climate change. Moreover, RIVM outlines policy options and makes data and instruments available to help governments with integrated assessments regarding climate, health and environmental policies. For more information, see RIVM’s vision document on Climate Change and Health and the webdossier on climate change and health.

Physical activity in and around the house, such as walking, housekeeping and chores were reported more often in 2020 than in 2019. People exercised slightly more often (3 to 4 times instead of 3 times per week) and somewhat longer (20 minutes per week) than in 2019. They were more likely to go running in 2020 than in 2019. This and more became apparent in RIVM’s new report. Read more about this research  (in Dutch, English abstract available).

Since 1 September 2021, pregnant women in the Netherlands can have an early ultrasound scan to detect physical abnormalities in their unborn child: the 13-week scan. The 13-week scan is offered in addition to the already available 20-week scan which was already available. The new scan allows for the early screening for (severe) physical abnormalities in unborn children. Read more.

Making tobacco more expensive is a measure that has been proven effective. This is why, as of 1 April 2020, the excise duty on tobacco was raised in The Netherlands. RIVM has investigated whether this increase in excise duty has affected smoking behaviour. Read more about this research in Dutch, English abstract available.

The Dutch government is considering whether to implement a Minimum Unit Pricing (MUP) for alcohol. RIVM and Trimbos Institute investigated the current understanding based on studies and practical experience abroad. The study also explored the opinions of Dutch stakeholders such as industry associations of alcohol sellers and producers, consumers and retailers, and calculated a societal cost-benefit analysis. Read more about this research In Dutch, English abstract available.

In 2020, the year of the coronavirus SARS-CoV-2 pandemic, resistant bacteria were not found more often in patients in the Netherlands than before the outbreak. For some bacterial species, resistance is even less common than in previous years. The number of bacteria that are resistant to several antibiotics at once, and are therefore more difficult to treat, has also remained the same. Read more

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. Read more about the 2020 Annual Report on the National Immunisation Programme in the Netherlands.

Inno4vac, a new European interdisciplinary project was launched on 1 September 2021. Inno4vac focuses on the design and application of new and highly advanced predictive models to allow for faster development and manufacturing of new vaccines. RIVM is involved in the six-year project. Read more.

On 7 September 2021, RIVM welcomed the Surinamese Minister of Health, Dr Amar Ramadhin. Read more

Train the Trainer programme Chemical Biological Radiology and Nuclear Centers of Excellence Project 73

New webdossier Livestock farming and health

More attention needs to be paid to the safe recycling of waste

The environmental impact of the annual €85 billion procurement of all Dutch governments English abstract available.

Decline in CO2 and air pollution emissions continues in 2020, ammonia emissions rise slightly English abstract available.

More news on RIVM website

Sign up for our newsletter and receive our news and updates straight to your mailbox. Please forward our newsletter to anyone who may be interested. Subscribe here