The percentage of people who went to get a flu shot last year remained about the same as in 2019. This is apparent from new figures from research institute Nivel. In 2020, the number of people who accepted the invitation for a flu shot increased from 53 to 54 percent.
Nivel does have a comment about the new figure. In 2020, the target group for the flu vaccine was expanded. For example, users of immunosuppressive medication were invited for the first time. The turnout percentage among the newly invited people was somewhat lower than average. If you do not include this new group, the percentage of completed vaccinations rose from 53 to 57 percent. “A significant increase,” says Nivel.
About 6 million people are invited for a flu vaccination every year. In 2017, the lowest percentage ever showed up: 50 percent responded to the invitation. Nivel has seen an increase in recent years. This upward trend was already set in motion before the corona pandemic, the institute emphasizes.
Virologists fear a severe influenza epidemic this year. Due to the relaxation of the distance measures, other respiratory viruses will reappear, they think. The flu can strike even more violently than usual because fewer people have resistance to it.
600,000 more vaccines purchased
Almost 4.7 million doses have been purchased this year, about 600,000 more than in 2020. That is enough for a turnout of 75 percent.
October and November are the months in which the elderly and vulnerable can receive a vaccination. This concerns people aged 60 and older and people who run an extra risk of becoming seriously ill from the flu virus, for example because they have heart problems or a lung disease.
Flu vaccination program expanded
Last month the Health Council came up with advice to expand the annual flu vaccination program. The council also advised, for example, to vaccinate people with dementia and morbid obesity, as well as pregnant women who are expecting longer than 22 weeks. Former corona patients with lung damage are also eligible. The Ministry of Health accepted that advice.
The people from the new target groups will not receive an invitation for the flu shot this year, which is too short a day. Anyone who belongs to a risk group but has not received an invitation can report to the general practitioner until 1 November. That determines whether the free shot is taken or not.
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