RIVM about to start new round of coronavirus vaccinations

Public health institute RIVM is preparing another round of booster coronavirus vaccinations as the season for respiratory illnesses approaches.

The number of people who have been infected with coronavirus has been creeping up since July. While the figures are not alarming, high-risk groups, healthcare professionals and people over 60 are advised to make use of their invitation to get their booster vaccination, the RIVM said.

The campaign will start on September 15 and continue until December 5.

People between 18 and 49 who are eligible for the flu jab will no longer be invited to get the coronavirus vaccine because their symptoms are not usually severe, the RIVM said. However, people who care for a vulnerable person, for example, will be able to get the shot.

The jab will also protect against the latest variants of the virus. There is no evidence that the new variants circulating in the Netherlands are more dangerous than previous omicron types, the RIVM said.