2023-06-30 16:15:00
Growing Concern Over Decrease in Vaccination Rates Among Dutch Children
The National Institute for Public Health and the Environment (RIVM) has reported a concerning decline in the vaccination rate among Dutch children. For the first time in decades, the rate of vaccinations for the youngest age group dropped slightly below 90 percent last year. This worrying trend has raised alarms within the institute and among public health officials.
“A high vaccination rate is important to continue to protect people against serious diseases and to prevent outbreaks,” emphasizes RIVM. The decrease in vaccination rates has been observed for the second consecutive year, leading to concerns about potential “health inequality” between vaccinated and unvaccinated individuals, according to Jeanne-Marie Hament, the manager of the National Immunization Program (RVP).
Experts believe that this decline may be linked to the corona pandemic and the resulting distrust that some people have developed towards vaccines and the government in general. State Secretary Maarten van Ooijen highlights the impact of “disinformation” that circulated during the pandemic years, further fueling vaccine hesitancy.
To address this issue, Hament stresses the importance of engaging in open conversations to address people’s doubts and concerns. “We need to learn to listen to each other better,” she says. In addition, Van Ooijen calls for a better understanding of how to reach out to groups that are currently not participating in the vaccination programs.
The NIP provides essential vaccinations for diseases such as mumps, measles, rubella (MMR), diphtheria, whooping cough, tetanus, polio (DPTP), and pneumococcal disease to children from infancy. Maintaining a high vaccination rate is crucial to preventing the spread of highly contagious diseases like measles. While the current rate is still relatively high, Hament warns that continuous reductions in vaccinations could lead to the resurgence of these diseases.
Recognizing the urgency of the situation, RIVM has initiated a research program to address questions such as the most effective ways to inform people about vaccinations and make them accessible to all. It is important to note that the reported vaccination rates may be underestimated due to some individuals choosing not to register their vaccinations.
The decrease in vaccination rates among Dutch children is a cause for concern. Efforts must be made to combat vaccine hesitancy, provide accurate information, and ensure that vaccines remain accessible to all, as the consequences of declining vaccination rates can be far-reaching.]
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