News | RIVM

People with post-COVID are less able to participate in society

Many people who report having long-term COVID-19 symptoms are unable to fully participate in society. This is a key finding from the twelfth quarterly research update from the Network for Health Research in Disasters (GOR Network).

50th anniversary of the heel prick test: health benefits for hundreds of newborns each year

Today marks the 50th anniversary of the introduction of the heel prick test (or newborn blood spot screening) in the Netherlands. This test involves the collection of a few drops of blood from newborn babies and screening the blood for serious...

COVID-19 vaccination: invitations being sent to risk groups

From 27 August 2024 on, the first people will receive an invitation for COVID-19 vaccination. RIVM will send the invitations to people aged 60 years and older.

New COVID-19 vaccination round for risk groups this autumn

The new COVID-19 vaccination round will start on 16 September 2024. For people who are at higher risk, the COVID-19 vaccination offers more effective protection against hospital admission or death due to COVID-19.

New research portal for people with post-COVID

Starting today, people with post-COVID can sign up to take part in scientific research. They can register through the national portal at postcovidonderzoek.nl, which is part of the Post-COVID Network Netherlands.

Well-being should be considered from the start when formulating policy during pandemic, health emergency or other crisis

Monitoring well-being from the outset and throughout the duration of a pandemic, health emergency or other crisis provides helpful input in making policy choices.

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.

Air pollution increases risk of infection and severity of illness from COVID-19

People who live in areas with poor air quality are more likely to become infected with SARS-CoV-2. Moreover, the symptoms of COVID-19 are more severe, leading to more hospitalisations and deaths. This is the outcome of a study conducted by RIVM, Utrecht University, Wageningen University & Research and the Netherlands Municipal Public Health Services and Medical Assistance in Accidents and Disasters.

Number of tuberculosis patients in the Netherlands increased in 2023 compared to 2022

In 2023, 710 people in the Netherlands were diagnosed with tuberculosis (TB). This was 12 per cent more than in 2022, when there were 634. In 2023, 471 patients had pulmonary TB. Of these 417 patients, 213 had open TB – the most contagious type.

More than 2.7 million COVID-19 vaccinations administered in the 2023 autumn round

In the 2023 autumn round, more than 2,731,000 people in the Netherlands received a COVID-19 vaccination. Vaccination coverage for people over 60 is currently 50.5%. Vaccination coverage varies by age group and region. COVID-19 vaccination was available until 22 December 2023.