VVD and D66: role of vaccination in childcare with low vaccination coverage

VVD and D66 include a bill to ban unvaccinated children from childcare. According to a proposal from MP Tielen (VVD) and Paulusma (D66), it should be the duty of daycare centers to refuse children who do not participate in the National Vaccination Program.

Through this program, children will be vaccinated against diseases such as measles and whooping cough. The obligation should come into effect when the vaccination rate (the percentage of children vaccinated) has fallen below 92 per cent (the ‘critical minimum limit’). Workers should also be injected.

Experts have been concerned about the declining vaccination rates. Six months ago, then Secretary of State Van Ooijen put forward a plan to increase the vaccination rate. He wanted, among other things, an area-based approach with input from health care professionals, but part of the House of Representatives wants this more action.

In their interpretation of the law, VVD and D66 say that by getting vaccinated, people protect not only themselves but also others: “People may be asked contribute to the achievement of group protection and thus assume a general responsibility for public health.”

Tielen and Paulusma emphasize that parents retain the option not to vaccinate their child, but there will be consequences if the level of vaccination reaches the minimum necessary level.

It is not yet clear whether there is a parliamentary majority for the proposal. BBB says in response that it is against coercion. According to the organization, vaccination against serious childhood diseases is wise: “But let’s do it through reason and through proof that information is extremely important,” BBB replied.

GroenLinks-PvdA points to existing trends towards a region-oriented approach and building up: “As far as we are concerned, this should be addressed first.” The faction also says that if you want to organize the duty properly, there should be no cuts to the GGD, as the cabinet intends.

A few years ago there was also a campaign law on vaccination in childcare. That proposal (also from D66) was to give childcare organizations the option to refuse unvaccinated children. That proposal was passed by the House of Representatives, but failed in 2022 Assembly.