News | RIVM

National cervical cancer screening campaign under way

Today sees the kick-off of the national campaign: Let’s talk about cervical cancer – have you #done the smear test or self-test yet? This marks the first time that RIVM, Bevolkingsonderzoek Nederland and the KWF Dutch Cancer Society are launching a joint campaign to call attention to cervical cancer screening.

Self-sampling device to be sent automatically, making it easier to take part in cervical cancer screening

From the first week of July, every woman turning 30 will receive a self-sampling device with their invitation for cervical cancer screening. Participants can use this device to collect their own vaginal material.

Report on the developments of the National Immunisation Programme: national immunisation coverage increased slightly for the first time in five years

National immunisation coverage has increased for the first time in five years, for almost all vaccinations. For children born in 2017, vaccination coverage against mumps, measles and rubella (MMR) increased by 0.7% to 93.6%.

Updated immunisation recommendation for measles: early vaccination before travel

A number of European countries are currently seeing outbreaks of measles. Before the start of the summer season, RIVM has therefore updated its immunisation recommendation for measles.

Research: HPV vaccine is safe

RIVM research shows no causal link between the vaccine against cervical cancer (HPV) and long-term fatigue symptoms in girls.

Risk of measles outbreaks increases with decreasing vaccination coverage

Vaccination coverage for vaccinations in the Dutch National Vaccination Program (NIP) decreased slightly by about half a percent for the third consecutive year.

EFSA agrees with RIVM that potential effect of BPA on the immune system requires further attention

RIVM expressed concerns on the effects of bisphenol a (BPA) on the immune system in a report issued in March 2016.

RIVM recommends more stringent EU standards BPA

More stringent European standards for safe exposure of workers and consumers to bisphenol A (BPA) were proposed in 2014 and 2015.

Measles epidemic and Salmonella outbreak cost nearly six million euros

The most recent measles epidemic and outbreak of Salmonella Thomson due to smoked salmon have cost 3.9 and 1.7 million euros, respectively.

Biobased alternatives to hormone disrupting substance in cash register receipts

Chemicals made from vegetable or animal waste may be an alternative to the use of the substance Bisphenol A (BPA) in thermal paper. Thermal paper is widely used for cash register receipts.