News | RIVM

Study on the effectiveness of COVID-19 measures in the Netherlands

The measures implemented in the Netherlands during the COVID-19 crisis were effective against the spread of the SARS-CoV-2 virus. This is the outcome of a study conducted by RIVM.

PhD research shows: ‘repeating vaccination promotes whooping cough resistance’

Repeating vaccination promotes whooping cough resistance. This is evidenced by the PhD research conducted by Pauline Versteegen. She researched post-vaccination immunity to whooping cough in age groups from 7 to 70 years. On Tuesday 28 May, she was awarded her doctoral degree at Utrecht University.

RIVM maintains advisory: avoid eating private eggs in Zuid-Holland Zuid and Altena Municipality

RIVM continues to advise against consuming private eggs from the Zuid-Holland Zuid region and the municipality of Altena. These eggs have been found to contain high levels of PFAS, as revealed by the risk assessment conducted by RIVM at 31 locations in the area.

More unhealthy behaviour among young people; their health remains vulnerable

Fewer young people aged 12 to 16 are positive about their health than in previous years. In addition, their mental health has not recovered after the COVID-19 pandemic.

Aircraft noise: Focus follow-up research on annoyance caused by peak noise levels and structurally validating models

RIVM is publishing four new studies in the context of the Programme-Based Approach to Measuring Aircraft Noise (PAMV). Two of these studies look at the quality of measurements and models.

Solar panel recycling could be more sustainable

RIVM looked into ways being developed to reuse raw materials used in solar panels. The four ways described by RIVM in this report are more sustainable than how solar panels are currently recycled.

Approach needed to tackle polluting activities to protect drinking water sources

In the Netherlands, we derive our drinking water from two sources: groundwater and river water. In many areas, the quality of this water is not adequate. The measures taken to improve the quality have yet to yield significant direct effects.

High impact of climate change on health, more knowledge needed on relations between effects

The effects of climate change are becoming increasingly visible. RIVM analysed the health effects of climate change for the period 1991–2020. RIVM also investigated the impact of these effects and their likelihood.

Limited effects visible after 5 years of bundled payments in maternity care

‘Bundled payments’, the alternative payment model for maternity care in the Netherlands, has so far resulted in limited visible effects. Small changes in maternity care use and slightly reduced spending on maternity care are observed. Generally speaking, no changes in terms of the health of mothers and children are measured.

295 reports of suspected side effects of implants in 2023

In 2023, 295 individuals reported one or more suspected side effects of implants to RIVM’s Dutch Reporting Centre for Adverse Effects of Medical Implants (MEBI).