Decline in MMR vaccinations among Amsterdam children under 2 continues

Vaccination rates for MMR among children under two years old have declined significantly in Amsterdam, particularly within the Nieuw-West district. In 2019, approximately 90 percent of toddlers in this area were vaccinated, but that figure has dropped to about 70 percent by 2025. City officials warn that this downward trend increases the risk of outbreaks, especially for infants under 14 months who are too young for the first dose. Factors contributing to the decline include the relative rarity of these diseases, which reduces the perceived urgency for vaccination among some parents. Additionally, updated data privacy rules since 2023 have made reporting less precise.

To address this, Alderman Alexander Scholtes has proposed a neighborhood-specific strategy to improve uptake. This approach includes closer cooperation with midwives to provide education to new parents and the use of mobile pop-up centers to increase accessibility. Success with similar initiatives, such as the HPV vaccination campaign in Slotervaart, suggests that targeted engagement can effectively boost participation rates. While Amsterdam's overall vaccination numbers are stabilizing for older children, the city remains focused on ensuring equitable health protection across all districts.