As of today, everyone in the Netherlands aged 18 and above who has already received their first coronavirus jab can bring their second appointment forward by one week, the Dutch government has announced. 

Dutch government accelerates coronavirus vaccination campaign

Two weeks ago, the standard waiting period between two coronavirus vaccinations was brought forward from 35 days to 25, and last week young people between the ages of 12 and 17 were told they could bring their second Pfizer / BioNTech appointment forward by two weeks. 

Now, the government has said adults who are partially vaccinated against COVID-19 and are scheduled to get their second dose on or after August 16 are able to bring their vaccination appointment forward by one week. Health Minister Hugo de Jonge says this is possible because there are enough vaccines in stock and there is “sufficient pricking capacity” to implement this acceleration of the Dutch vaccination campaign. 

“We are doing this to achieve the highest possible vaccination rate in our society as quickly as possible, because vaccination works,” the Health Minister explained. Those eligible to reschedule their appointment will receive a text from the GGD in the coming days.

Moderna vaccine approved for use amongst 12 to 17-year-olds

On July 23, the European Medicines Agency (EMA) approved Moderna for use among 12 to 17-year-olds, emphasising that it was “effective, safe and efficient.” On July 30, the Health Council of the Netherlands then advised the Dutch government to make Moderna available to young people between the ages of 12 and 17. 

Therefore, on Friday, the government announced a small change to the national vaccination programme: young people may now receive either Pfizer / BioNTech or Moderna. This change will mostly affect Saba and St. Eustatius islands, where residents only have access to Moderna.