Vulnerable people have yet to get the flu shot from their GP and corona vaccination from the GGD. This can be done much more efficiently in the future, say Ted van Essen, president of the Flu Foundation, and virologist Jaap Goudsmit. Experts say the number of vaccinations will increase and costs will decrease due to a double hit to GGDs.
No additional side effects
“I think one shot increases the other,” says Van Essen. “It is not for nothing that they already do this in other European countries and in the United States”. The former general practitioner points out that the body does not react differently to two injections at the same time. “Okay. There aren’t many side effects. Look at the children too, who are vaccinated against seven diseases at the same time.”
According to Van Essen, the choice of GGD as a permanent injection site is logical. “GPs have indicated they are too busy for corona injections. And the GGDs see that things are going well now, they are taking important steps. It won’t happen in the short term, but the former general practitioner hopes that the next can be organized during a new round of vaccinations each year: “Take the time now to take those steps”.
In consultation with general practitioners
The majority of the House of Representatives is in favor of the idea. This is what MP Joba van den Berg from the CDA says. “I definitely think we should study how we can organize it even better in the future. In the ideal world it could be done simultaneously, it would be easier for people.”
Coalition partner D66 agrees. “We are in favor of combining the corona vaccine – where possible – with the flu vaccine,” the party said. Like the CDA, D66 aims for good consultation with primary care physicians. “Involve them in a timely manner”. Also from the PVV comes the support for the Goudsmit and Van Essen proposal. MP Fleur Agema also wanted the flu shot to be offered to more people for some time.
The VVD thinks it’s good if “different vaccine traces” are combined in one hand, but wonders if medical records are an obstacle. “This data must therefore be communicated securely and correctly with the GGD,” says a spokesperson for the VVD.
The association of general practitioners is in doubt
The National Association of General Practitioners (LHV) points out that general practitioners have already sent corona repeat vaccine invitations to patients who are eligible for the flu shot this month. In this way, the GPs are also trying to increase the turnout for re-shots at the GGDs.
The LHV has doubts about a complete change of policy. The association fears that the plan may also backfire. For example, the relatively high turnout for the flu shot is largely due to the relationship of trust between patient and family doctor, a spokesperson said. The fear is that if the GGD takes care of the GP’s duties, the baby could be thrown out with the bath water.
But there is also no outright rejection. If it turns out that the plan actually leads to higher injection turnout, the LHV also wants to take the proposal seriously.
