REGIO – The GGD Gelderland-South expects an increase in the number of (notifiable) infectious diseases next winter. This is what the GGD writes in the recently published “Framework Letter 2024”.
In the years 2021 and 2022, the number of infectious diseases decreased. This was largely caused by the corona measures. These not only had an effect on the transmission of corona, but other infectious diseases were also less likely to be passed on to other people.
Fifty notifiable infectious diseases
Now that the corona measures (such as mouth caps and keeping a distance) no longer apply, the GGD expects that infectious diseases will increase again almost across the board in Nijmegen and surrounding municipalities. There are about 50 notifiable diseases, such as the ancient tuberculosis, polio, hepatitis and botulism. More recently, these include covid-19, SARS and monkey pox.
It is impossible to predict to what extent infectious diseases will increase. For example, the WHO, the World Health Organization, has reported that the number of measles cases is rising sharply all over the world. Our country has a reasonably good vaccination coverage, but the Netherlands also runs risks in this regard, according to the GGD.
Flu shot will remain with the doctor for the time being
State Secretary Van Ooijen took the decision in principle last summer to organize a public vaccination facility for adults at the GGDs. “This vaccination facility is an important step towards a future-proof and agile vaccination system for all adult vaccinations. This change in the vaccination system will be implemented in phases,” reports the GGD Gelderland-Zuid.
For the flu and pneumococcal vaccinations (which are now offered by the general practitioners), it will be examined which party this vaccination will suit best in the future. For the time being, the general practitioners will continue to carry out these vaccinations.