Vaccination rates among young children continue to drop

The number of children under the age of five being rejected in line with government recommendations has fallen slightly, public health institute RIVM said on Thursday.

Children from large families (often orthodox Protestant), those who do not attend daycare, and children with Moroccan and Turkish backgrounds are the least likely to be exempt, the RIVM said.

There has, however, been an increase in vaccinations against HPV, which can lead to cervical cancer. This rise is due to a call-up campaign aimed at raising awareness of the vaccine, the agency said.

The children's vaccination program covers 13 infectious diseases.

Although the figures are not complete, it is clear that the 90% threshold is not being met, the RIVM said.

The government now needs to step in and provide additional funding, according to regional health board umbrella group GGD GHOR.

“The risk of serious illness in children is a reality, as the recent outbreak of whooping cough and the diseases clusters have shown,” director Ton Coenen said. “We are calling on the government to invest permanently in combating infectious diseases.”

In The Hague, the take-up rate for the MMR vaccine, which covers mumps, measles and rubella, has fallen to just under 81% among babies, according to city figures, but has risen slightly for school-age children following a targeted campaign.

City health chief Hilbert Bredemeijer said the council is doing what it can but needs more long-term support.

“The cabinet might be in a caretaker capacity, but this cannot wait,” he said. “So come up with permanent support for the big cities and launch a national campaign.”