Lowest in the country
According to data from the RIVM, between 20 and 39 percent of adults in Urk have so far had a first injection. In no other Dutch municipality is the percentage of adults who received a first injection lower than 40 percent. The percentage is also higher in other municipalities with many Christian inhabitants. In Staphorst, for example, between 40 and 59 percent of adults received a first shot, in Barneveld between 60 and 74 percent. Nationally, it is estimated that nearly 85 percent of people over 18 have had at least one vaccination so far.
Christians
According to a spokeswoman for GGD Flevoland, the vaccination rate in Urk is lagging behind because many people with a Christian conviction live in the municipality. ‘Not only with corona, but also with other vaccinations you see that the vaccination rate in Urk is lagging behind compared to the rest of Flevoland.’ In addition, according to her, there are currently relatively few infections in Urk, so that people may not feel the need to get a shot. ‘It is also possible that many people are still on holiday, so the number may increase after the summer.’
Dumpert
A relatively large number of young people live in Urk, she explains the choice for a social media campaign. ‘So there is still a large group to reach. At the same time, we also see that the percentage of young people who have had themselves vaccinated so far is lagging behind the national figure.’ The campaign, launched this week, aims to educate young people about vaccinations. “In that sense, the campaign is neutral,” said the spokeswoman. ‘The starting point of the municipality is also that it remains your own choice whether you want to be vaccinated.’ The campaign has been set up on, among others, Dumpert and a number of online game platforms.
Bible
A letter with information has also been sent out by GPs. That letter also includes an information brochure from the Christian patient association NPV, in which the pros and cons of the corona vaccination are explained on the basis of the Bible. In addition, the GGD may soon take to the streets in the municipality to discuss vaccination with people. The GGD Flevoland does not aim for a certain vaccination rate in Urk, according to the spokeswoman. ‘But of course we would like to see more people vaccinated in Urk.’ (ANP)
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