Building on experience
“For the vaccination program (start date January 8, 2021), GGDs were able to build on experience from, among other things, the testing process, because in terms of logistics, vaccination was basically similar to the testing process that was started earlier in 2020. The same system as for testing was also used for the IT facilities. We knew how to organize ourselves – with a view to the testing process and source and contact research. The organizational structure, both nationally and regionally at the GGDs, was already set up in such a way that this activity could also fit in well.”
When asked what vaccination has given us, Erik answers: “The Netherlands has vaccinated its way out of the crisis! Vaccination was a very important step in controlling the pandemic. With a vaccine you are better protected against hospital admissions and death.”
Executor and expert
During the vaccination campaign, GGDs have shown that they are the experts in the field of vaccination. Thanks to the speed with which the program was set up and by showing courage. “We simply did well in such a short time. GGDs have broader expertise than large-scale campaigns. But when it comes to large-scale vaccination, we are all ready, with scripts, manpower and systems. Maintaining this expertise is of course very important. GGDs ensure this through their vaccination tasks within, among other things, traveler care, sexual health, the vaccination of medically high-risk groups, general infectious disease control, but also within vaccination tasks on other themes.
