Coronavirus vaccination

The first invitation letters have been sent out from 27 August 2024. The National Institute for Public Health and the Environment (RIVM) writes to those aged 60 and over inviting them to be vaccinated. People aged under 60 who belong to one of the target groups will not receive an invitation. They will need to make an appointment with the Municipal Health Service (GGD) themselves. GGDs will be providing vaccinations on a regional basis. The BioNTech/Pfizer JN.1 mRNA vaccine will be used. Vaccination will be available up to and including 6 December 2024.

People with a referral from their doctor

If you have a referral from your doctor you can get vaccinated against coronavirus at any time. Call the municipal health service (GGD) on 0800 7070 to make an appointment.

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.

But if you are eligible for the annual flu jab or you are a healthcare worker, you are advised to get vaccinated in autumn 2024. This also applies if you are pregnant. Getting vaccinated against coronavirus during pregnancy is safe.

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.