Industry and policymakers are not availing themselves enough of the available scientific knowledge when it comes to smarter ways of dealing with plastics.

People aged 70 years and older living in the Netherlands may receive an invitation for a repeat booster against COVID-19 from 26 February 2022 on. They can make an appointment for vaccination by the Municipal Public Health Services (GGDs).

In the period from 26 January to 8 February 2022, the COVID-19 vaccines were 92% effective in preventing hospital admission after the booster, and 55% effective after the basic vaccinations.

As of today, RIVM will publish weekly updates on vaccination turnout and vaccination coverage per neighbourhood in the Netherlands, both cumulative and broken down by calendar week.

Vaccination or previous infection with the coronavirus SARS-CoV-2 provide less effective protection against the Omicron variant compared to the Delta variant. A COVID-19 booster vaccination ensures renewed protection against Omicron.

Starting on 18 January 2022, parents of children aged 5-11 years will receive a letter with information about COVID-19 vaccination for their child or children.

People born in 2003 can now schedule an appointment for a COVID-19 booster vaccination by the Municipal Public Health Services (GGDs). This can only be done online. The booster vaccination can be scheduled from 3 months after recovery from COVID-19.