3 Kuipers sees no reason for repeated shooting against COVID-19

RIVM currently sees no reason to set up a new series of repeated fires against COVID-19. Booster vaccines remain available for people over 60 who have not yet had a successful second booster vaccine, Health Minister Ernst Kuipers told the House of Representatives on Tuesday.

In a letter, Kuipers writes that, according to the RIVM, there is no longer any reason to give certain groups another chance. RIVM prefers to use longer intervals for repeated injections than the current minimum of three months.

Since March, people over 60 can benefit from a second booster injection. With the current three-month interval, they will be eligible for another booster vaccine in June, but a longer interval can contribute to a longer-term immune response, according to RIVM. Repeating injections shortly before an expected increase in the infection pressure can also be beneficial, says Kuipers.

The minister examines whether and when reinjection is desired for certain groups. It is mainly intended for people who live in nursing homes and people aged eighty and older. The cabinet says it has plans to quickly start a new vaccination campaign if the situation calls for it.

In April, Kuipers stated on the advice of the Health Council that no secondary support was needed for the entire population. This puts millions of corona vaccines at risk of being thrown away without use.