News item | 04-07-2022 | 16:38
The RIVM and the GGD are starting their preparations for a vaccination campaign after the summer. This is what Minister Ernst Kuipers of Health, Welfare and Sport (VWS) asked them to do. This means, among other things, that the GGDs can start recruiting, selecting and training personnel for the implementation of new vaccination campaigns. In any case, it is assumed that the most vulnerable groups will be vaccinated after the summer. In addition, a scenario is taken into account in which the entire population is offered a vaccination from the age of 18.
Minister Kuipers: “At the moment we see the infections increasing and that is why we monitor closely. There is no reason for an extra round of vaccinations now, but this seems likely in the course of the year. That is why I have asked the RIVM and the GGD to make preparations so that a quick start can be made if necessary. Out of precaution.”
There is a good chance that a new vaccination campaign will start after the summer. This is especially true for the most vulnerable. Because age is an important risk factor for serious illness due to infection with COVID, this mainly concerns the elderly. This way we can protect them against serious illness in the autumn and winter. If necessary, a vaccination can be offered to more vulnerable people.
The Response Team of the RIVM and the OMT-V (a special OMT team that advises on vaccination) will shortly advise on the necessity and exact target groups of new vaccination rounds. The GGD GHOR has been asked to prepare in order to be able to scale up from 300,000 to 500,000 vaccinations per week in 3 weeks. If necessary, this can be increased to 1.5 million vaccinations per week 3 weeks later. Sufficiently trained personnel is an important condition for this upscaling. GGD GHOR Nederland indicates that, in view of the great shortage on the labor market, they want to start training and recruiting staff on time. The decision of Minister Kuipers makes this possible.
By starting the preparations for these vaccination rounds now, all parties want to be ready in time to vaccinate when necessary.
In the meantime, compliance with the basic measures remains important for yourself, your loved ones and your colleagues. That means: testing in case of complaints, staying at home and isolation after a positive test, washing hands and good ventilation. It is also wise to do a self-test when you visit a vulnerable person.
Minister Kuipers emphasizes the importance for adults of getting your vaccinations. Whether this is the 1st or 2nd shot or the boost vaccination or a repeat shot if you are over 60. This applies in particular to the elderly and, for example, people who work in care.