Over the next few weeks, people with Down syndrome who are living at home will receive an invitation for the COVID-19 booster vaccination from their GP, starting on 3 December 2021. The letter provides a separate phone number to make an appointment at a vaccination site operated by the Municipal Public Health Services (GGDs). Since 24 November, people with Down syndrome living in residential care facilities have been offered a booster vaccination in the care facility.

The Health Council of the Netherlands has issued an advisory opinion stating that, even after vaccination, adults with Down syndrome have a significantly increased risk of serious illness due to COVID-19. Their risk level is comparable to the risk level for people aged 60 years and older. For that reason, they are being offered a booster vaccination earlier.

People who are unable to travel from their home, for psychological or physical reasons, will be contacted by their GP from 1 December on. If these people give consent, their GP will notify the GGD that they are eligible for home vaccination. The GGD will then make an appointment to give the booster vaccination at home. This also applies to people with Down syndrome who are not able to travel to the vaccination site.