Invitations for the autumn coronavirus vaccine will soon start arriving by post across the Netherlands. This year significantly fewer letters will be sent, as eligibility has been scaled back compared to previous rounds.
The upcoming round is restricted to people aged 70 and older, as well as specific vulnerable groups and certain healthcare workers. The shift follows advice issued in March by the Health Council to the Ministry of Health.
Previously, people aged 60 and over and pregnant women were invited to receive the vaccine. The Health Council noted that covid-19 infections, hospital admissions, and deaths have declined in recent years.
While the virus still causes more health complications than infections such as the flu, the risk is linked to age, with the danger of hospital admission rising notably from age 70.
Eligible groups and medical criteria
Alongside those aged 70 and older, certain vulnerable adults and children with underlying medical conditions remain eligible. This includes people living with conditions such as COPD or diabetes who face a higher risk of severe illness or death from covid-19.
Healthcare workers who have direct contact with vulnerable patients can also receive the vaccination. The same target groups will be eligible for the booster round next autumn.
Long covid is not considered an independent qualification for the jab. The primary goal of the campaign is to reduce hospitalisations, intensive care admissions, and deaths, and the government noted there is no evidence that people with post-covid face an elevated risk of those outcomes.
Pregnant women are also no longer included in the target group. Broad population immunity has developed against the virus, reducing the likelihood of severe illness during pregnancy or premature birth.
Appointment schedule and past turnout
Invitation letters will only be mailed to people aged 70 and older. Anyone in one of the other eligible risk groups can book an appointment with the local health authority (GGD) starting Tuesday.
Vaccinations will be administered from 21 September through 27 November.
Turnout for the coronavirus vaccine has been dropping steadily in recent years. Last year roughly 2.2 million people received the injection, representing around 42% of the eligible target group at the time.
According to figures from the RIVM, 2.5 million people booked an appointment in 2024, down from 2.7 million the year before. Participation was highest among people aged 80 and over at 55.8%, while less than a quarter of people aged 60 to 64 made an appointment.
