adOct 13, 2026, 04:00

Flu shot can reduce hospital admissions by 40 percent, but nearly half skip it now

Flu vaccination rates in the Netherlands have reached a record low of 54 percent, failing to reach the 75 percent coverage target needed for effective public health protection. Experts attribute this decline to the spread of misinformation and urge vulnerable groups to get vaccinated to prevent severe complications and reduce hospitalizations.

The Netherlands is facing a decline in flu vaccination rates, with only about 54 percent of eligible individuals currently participating. This is a significant drop from the 75 to 77 percent coverage observed in 2009. Experts, including Ted van Essen of the Dutch Immunization Foundation (NIS), warn that this trend poses a serious risk to vulnerable citizens, noting that the vaccine can reduce hospitalizations by 40 percent and prevent thousands of annual flu-related deaths. Chronic illness patients under 60 are the least likely to get vaccinated, often due to widespread misinformation. Persistent myths, such as claims that the vaccine causes the flu or contains toxic substances like mercury, have severely impacted public confidence. Health officials emphasize that these claims are false and stress that the vaccine is essential for protecting the elderly and those with chronic conditions. To address the issue, the NIS is launching awareness campaigns to dispel these misconceptions and encourage higher vaccination uptake before the start of the winter flu season.

Health Netherlands

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Based on reporting by ad. Translated and condensed by LocalHeadlines.

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