Coronavirus vaccination
The autumn round of coronavirus vaccinations for 2024 has ended. Until 6 December 2024, people aged 60 and over, healthcare workers and people aged 18 to 59 who receive an invitation for the annual flu jab could get a coronavirus vaccination. The next coronavirus vaccination round will be held in autumn 2025. The National Institute for Public Health and the Environment (RIVM) will announce details in the course of 2025. If you have a referral from your attending physician, you can get one or more additional coronavirus vaccinations at any time of year. Call the municipal health service (GGD) on 0800 7070 to make an appointment.
No approval yet for HIPRA’s adapted protein-based vaccine
People who cannot or do not want to be vaccinated with an mRNA vaccine for medical reasons can get a protein-based vaccine instead. HIPRA’s Bimervax JN.1 protein-based vaccine was purchased for 2024. However, this adapted vaccine has not yet been approved by the European Medicines Agency (EMA). It will not be available until it has been approved.
Why Novovax’s protein-based vaccine isn’t available
Novovax was unable to deliver the limited volume of protein-based vaccines that the Netherlands needed for the 2024 autumn vaccination round. An EU joint procurement procedure made it possible however to buy vaccines from the producer HIPRA. Other EU countries that ordered the HIPRA vaccine are, like the Netherlands, waiting for it to be approved by the EMA.
The HIPRA and Novovax vaccines are considered equally safe and equally effective.
Coronavirus vaccination no longer necessary during pregnancy
The risk of becoming seriously ill with COVID-19 and giving birth prematurely is smaller than at the start of the coronavirus pandemic. This is because a large part of the population has already developed broad immunity against the virus. The Omicron variant also makes people less ill. It is no longer necessary for pregnant women to get vaccinated against coronavirus.
Coronavirus vaccination and post-COVID syndrome
Post-COVID syndrome refers to health problems that continue long after a coronavirus infection. Vaccination reduces the risk becoming seriously ill due to coronavirus. It also reduces the risk of of developing post-COVID syndrome, but it can still happen.
Much is still unclear about what causes post-COVID syndrome, what type of immunity offers protection against it, and what increases the risk of post-COVID syndrome. It is clear, however, that the risk of developing post-COVID syndrome after an infection with the Omicron variant is smaller than with other variants. That is why the Health Council of the Netherlands advises against vaccinating everyone as a means of preventing post-COVID syndrome.
People aged 60 and over, healthcare workers and people who receive an invitation for the annual flu jab can get a coronavirus vaccination in the autumn.
If you have post-COVID syndrome and are in one of these target groups, you can get a coronavirus vaccination during the autumn vaccination campaign.
Not everyone with post-COVID syndrome needs a coronavirus vaccination
If you have post-COVID syndrome you only need a vaccination if you are in one of the target groups for the autumn vaccination campaign. That is what the Health Council of the Netherlands says.
Vaccination reduces the risk of hospital or ICU admission, or death due to coronavirus infection for people in the target groups. There is no evidence that these risks are higher for people with post-COVID syndrome.
Coronavirus vaccination provides partial and temporary protection. You can still get infected even if you have been vaccinated. There is not enough evidence that vaccination stops post-COVID symptoms getting worse after a new infection.
Help prevent coronavirus transmission
Respiratory infections caused by flu viruses, coronavirus or RS virus for example can make people very ill. People with underlying health issues and older people have a higher risk of becoming severely ill from coronavirus or the flu. But a viral infection can also cause prolonged symptoms in people without underlying health issues. This is the case with post-COVID syndrome, for example.
That’s why it’s still important to follow the advice for preventing respiratory infections. This helps protect everyone, including people with health issues.
Coughing, sneezing, a sore throat and a stuffy or runny nose are signs of respiratory infection.
- Stay at home if you are ill.
- If your symptoms are mild, ask your manager if you can work from home.
- If you have symptoms, avoid physical contact with people who could become seriously ill from a cold or flu virus. Wear a face mask if physical contact is necessary, for example, when providing care.
- Cough and sneeze into your elbow, and wash your hands with soap thoroughly and regularly (you should always do this, even if you are in good health).
- Ventilate indoor spaces well.