The OMT advice is intended to prepare the Netherlands for a large-scale measles outbreak. Fortunately, such a large-scale outbreak is not yet an issue, but it is wise to prepare for it.
Vaccination rate
We see outbreaks of measles in the countries around us and a vaccination rate that is lower than necessary to prevent outbreaks. In the Netherlands, the vaccination rate for measles, mumps and rubella has also fallen to below 90% in recent years (of children born in 2020). Reason for concern, but no reason to panic.
Extra effort?
This of course also requires additional efforts from the GGD. Our youth nurses and youth doctors have daily contact with parents. They know better than anyone what is going on and try to respond as best as possible to specific concerns of parents.
Research
As the GGD, we receive questions from parents who want to have their unvaccinated child vaccinated against measles, for example. Of course this is possible. We also keep a close eye on possible infections through source and contact research (also known from Corona times).
“Cause for concern, but no reason to panic”
The OMT advice now calls for more to be done to prevent infections at daycare centers.
For example, the OMT emphasizes once again that unprotected brothers and sisters of children infected with measles should also not go to daycare. We include this in our monitoring.
I hereby appeal again: if you have children who have not been vaccinated against measles, they can receive a catch-up vaccination. You can also contact us with questions about vaccinations on telephone number 023 789 1777 (Monday to Friday).
