Fewer and fewer people are vaccinated against flu, while for some groups, such as asthmatics and the very elderly, the consequences can be serious. Should the flu shot be made compulsory for them?
Downward trend
In 2007, three quarters of the Dutch people called up visited their GP for the flu shot, in 2013 this was less than two thirds. The figures for 2014 are yet to be published, but the National Influenza Prevention Program is again expected to fall by a few percent.
New low?
The vaccination program has now been in existence for twenty years. Then, in 1995, 42 percent of the Dutch called up had themselves vaccinated and it seems that we are slowly returning to that percentage. For this winter, GPs again ordered fewer vaccines: 3.4 million (100,000 less than in 2014).
Incomprehension
According to virus professor Ab Osterhaus, a vaccine can make the difference between a healthy life and a serious flu or even death. He doesn’t understand that fewer and fewer people are taking the free shot: “It’s the safest vaccine out there. And it can make the difference between continuing your life after the flu or losing so much muscle mass that you have to be admitted to a nursing home. ”
Effects
In seniors, the flu shot offers 30 percent protection against death and 50 percent against complications after flu. Osterhaus admits that the protection is not optimal. “But a shot is still better than no shot,” he claims. Also, the vaccine would not cause any side effects. Many Dutch people doubt this and wonder every year whether the jab really does its job. In 2014, about two million people suffered from complaints, 10,000 had to be hospitalized.
What do you think?
Plus is curious about your opinion. Our position is: the flu shot should be made mandatory for groups where the consequences of the flu can be serious. Give your opinion at the top left of this page.
9 questions about the flu shot
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