News item | 13-09-2023 | 13:02
From October 2, 2023, people who are at a higher risk of becoming seriously ill from corona, including people over 60 and pregnant women, can get a corona shot again. This also applies to healthcare workers with direct patient and/or client contact. The corona shot is given by the GGD with the most currently available vaccine. This so-called XBB vaccine provides the best available protection against the current variants of the coronavirus.
People aged 60 and over will receive an invitation letter for the corona shot from the RIVM from September 19. People aged 18 to 59 who are invited annually for the flu shot, healthcare workers and pregnant women do not receive an invitation letter. From mid-October, they can make an appointment with the GGD via planjeprik.nl or 0800 7070. This also applies to people outside these groups who still want to be vaccinated, for example because of a vulnerable family member or on the advice of a treating doctor.
It is possible to get the corona shot until the end of December 2023. The corona shot will remain available for pregnant women and people with a high medical risk who are referred by a doctor.
Corona shot brings protection back up to standard
The coronavirus is still there and may revive. That is why the corona shot is important for people who are at a higher risk of becoming seriously ill from the virus. The corona shot restores their protection against hospitalization and reduces the risk of becoming seriously ill and/or dying from corona.
It is not necessary for everyone in the Netherlands to receive a corona shot. Broad protection against corona has been built up among the population. This is due to vaccination, a previous corona infection or a combination of both. The omikron variant of the coronavirus is also less pathogenic. It remains important for everyone to follow the advice for preventing respiratory infections. For the protection of people with vulnerable health and for themselves.
Advice for preventing respiratory infections
Do you have complaints that are consistent with respiratory infections, such as coughing, sneezing, sore throat and a runny or runny nose?
- Then stay home if you are sick.
- In case of minor complaints, consult with your employer whether you can work from home.
- If you have complaints, avoid physical contact with people who could become seriously ill from a respiratory infection. If physical contact is necessary, wear a face mask. For example, in informal care.
- Cough and sneeze into your elbow and wash your hands often and thoroughly with soap and water, even if you have no complaints.
- Ensure adequate ventilation of indoor areas.