The Health Council advises to invite all people over 60 and residents of care institutions aged 18 and older for a so-called booster shot. In this way, the defense against the coronavirus should be strengthened.
Anyone who is eligible for such a shot will be offered the vaccine from Pfizer or Moderna, even if someone has previously received a different vaccine. According to the Health Council, the extra shot should be taken at least six months after the last dose. People who have become infected after vaccination are also eligible for the booster shot six months after the infection.
The elderly were one of the first groups to be vaccinated from January 2021. At the moment, the number of corona cases is increasing, especially in this group. Almost all people who have died in recent weeks as a result of the virus are 80 years or older.
According to the Health Council, there is no medical reason to also offer other groups an extra vaccine.
The government is now in charge. She will have to decide who will be invited for the booster and when, in consultation with the RIVM and the GGD. The extra jab should give protection against covid-19 a boost. The European Medicines Agency (EMA) has previously approved the use of booster shots with the vaccine from Pfizer or Moderna.
