In order to improve the vaccination rate among teenagers in the Netherlands, a number of GGDs across the country are considering setting up mini vaccination sites at secondary schools.

Vaccinating young people against COVID-19

At the end of June, it was announced that all 12 to 18-year-olds would be invited to receive the jab against COVID-19. But, according to the GGD, so far only 43 percent of young people have been (partially) vaccinated, and GGD workers worry that the low vaccination rate could lead to outbreaks of coronavirus when schools return after the holidays.

A number of GGDs are therefore discussing options with secondary schools in their region, in an attempt to educate and encourage more teenagers to get the jab. In parts of North Holland, GGDs are asking whether it would be possible to carry out vaccinations in schools. In Amsterdam, the GGD is looking to organise information sessions for students and provide information about coronavirus and the vaccine(s). 

Vaccination turnout in the Netherlands

While the GGD is looking at what it can do to encourage vaccination amongst young people, a spokesperson for the organisation emphasised that “GGDs do not exert pressure to have you vaccinated, nothing is mandatory.” Additionally, while the National Institute for Public Health and Environment (RIVM) had expected around 72 percent of 12 to 18-year-olds to get the jab, a spokesperson told De Volkskrant they weren’t worried about the low turnout: “Our goal and also our expectation is that the percentage of vaccinated teenagers will increase considerably.”

According to the government’s coronadashboard, over 21 million vaccinations have taken place so far, with at least nine million people already fully vaccinated against COVID-19. The Dutch government aims to have everyone who wants the jab fully vaccinated by September 1, and hopes that vaccinating young people will prevent another wave in the autumn.