Young children are the most vulnerable to infectious diseases. Since every child has the right to the best possible start in life, the government offers all children living in the Netherlands vaccination against a number of infectious diseases. Parents do not have to pay for the vaccinations offered by the National Immunisation Programme.
Vaccination coverage in the Netherlands
In 2023, the percentage of babies and toddlers that were vaccinated in the framework of the National Immunisation Programme remained about the same compared to 2022. In children aged 9 years and older, vaccination coverage continued to decrease for most of the national childhood immunisations. These findings are from the report on ‘Vaccination Coverage of the Dutch National Immunisation Programme – 2024’. RIVM is positive about the stabilising figures, but vaccination coverage among young children still needs further consideration. The ongoing decrease among older children is concerning to RIVM. High vaccination coverage is important in order to continue protecting people against serious diseases and to prevent outbreaks of these diseases.
Role of RIVM
RIVM is responsible for the Dutch National Immunisation Programme (NIP). RIVM also conducts clinical studies on the safety and efficacy of vaccines. Studies are underway to improve the National Immunisation Programme. This includes improving the vaccination schedule and reducing the number of vaccinations. RIVM advises the Dutch Government on immunology and vaccinology and carries out research to generate knowledge and data on the immune response to infectious diseases and to vaccinations offered in the framework of the government’s infectious disease control programme.
In the SocioVax research programme RIVM investigates what factors play a role in choosing whether or not to participate in the NIP and which approach is most effective for giving people accurate information and assisting them in making that choice. Visit behavioural science for more information about research on willingness to vaccinate and addressing vaccine hesitancy.