In the first week of January, many more people obtained a corona booster than expected. The GGD counted on about 500 to 600 visitors, but saw that number double at the four locations in Drenthe.
The crowds were particularly noticeable at the larger injection locations in Emmen and Assen. “And it will also continue this week,” predicts Bart Raaijmakers, spokesman for the GGD in Drenthe.
Based on the turnout in previous weeks, hundreds of people were expected to get a booster shot. That became many more: 1200 over the whole week. It is difficult to pinpoint causes for this increase, says Raaijmakers, because reliable information is lacking. “But employees did catch in conversations that the increased media attention around the corona virus in China played a role,” he says.
In addition, the winter sports season is in full swing. That is also an argument to get a booster, GGD employees understood. “People still want to be on the safe side,” says Raaijmakers.
According to the spokesperson, the unexpected crowds did not cause problems in the organization of the GGD. “We can handle these numbers. There is free walk-in, but make an appointment if possible. Then we know where we stand.”