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. Parents do not have to pay for the vaccinations offered by the National Immunisation Programme.
Vaccination coverage in the Netherlands
In 2022, participation in the National Immunisation Programme has fallen for a second year in a row. This is according to the report ‘Vaccination coverage and annual report of the Dutch National Immunisation Programme for 2022’. RIVM is concerned about this decline. High vaccination coverage is important to keep people protected against serious diseases and to prevent outbreaks of these diseases.
Role of RIVM
RIVM is responsible for the Dutch National Immunisation Programme. RIVM also conducts clinical studies on the safety and efficacy of vaccines. Studies are underway to improve the National Immunisation Programme. This includes improving the vaccination schedule and reducing the number of vaccinations. RIVM advises the Dutch Government on immunology and vaccinology and carries 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.