NOS Nieuws•
The Netherlands’ Health Council is recommending that the age threshold for annual COVID-19 vaccination be raised from 60 to 70 years and older. The advice applies to vaccination rounds in the fall of this year and next year. This adjustment to vaccination strategy comes as public health officials continue to monitor the evolving impact of COVID-19.
The council reported that even as the number of infections, hospitalizations and deaths has decreased in recent years, the impact of COVID-19 on the population remains higher than that of other respiratory infections like the flu. Research from 2023 and 2024 indicates a clear increase in the risk of hospitalization beginning at age 70.
The recommendation follows a request from the Ministry of Health, Welfare and Sport to review current target groups to best protect vulnerable populations from severe illness and death caused by the coronavirus.
In addition to those 70 and older, individuals between the ages of 50 and 69 with underlying health conditions should continue to be eligible for vaccination, the council stated. These are individuals at increased risk of severe outcomes if infected with the virus, such as those with COPD, heart failure, diabetes, or chronic kidney disease.
Healthcare Workers
The council also advises offering vaccination to children and adults in medical high-risk groups, such as those with leukemia, sickle cell disease, severe kidney failure, or congenital immune deficiencies.
Healthcare workers with direct contact with vulnerable patients should also be able to receive another vaccination, contributing to the protection of these patients, according to the council.
The Ministry of Health, Welfare and Sport typically adopts the recommendations of the Health Council.
