rss

Vaccination rate in Amsterdam stable, but concerns remain for babies and young children

Vaccination rate in Amsterdam stable, but concerns remain for babies and young children

Vaccination rates for school-aged children in Amsterdam remain stable and higher than in other major Dutch cities, though concerns persist as coverage for babies and toddlers continues to decline. Alderman Alexander Scholtes is focusing on targeted community outreach and improved information campaigns to address parental hesitancy and boost immunization among the youngest age groups.

Vaccination rates among school-aged children and teenagers in Amsterdam have remained stable for the second consecutive year, positioning the city ten percentage points ahead of Rotterdam and The Hague. Despite this relative success, Alderman Alexander Scholtes has expressed concern regarding a recent decline in vaccination coverage among babies and very young children. While there was a slight uptick in overall vaccinations earlier in 2025, the city still falls below the safety thresholds recommended by the World Health Organization.

Local authorities report that the decrease in infant vaccinations is linked to growing hesitancy and changing perspectives among younger parents compared to previous generations. In response, the municipal health service, GGD, is intensifying its efforts to improve outreach and provide clearer information to families. Alderman Scholtes emphasized that the city will continue to prioritize localized vaccination initiatives and partnerships with trusted community figures to address these gaps in public health coverage and ensure that young children receive necessary medical protection.

Based on reporting by rss. Translated and condensed by LocalHeadlines.

Related articles

No new snack bars near schools? Amsterdam looks for legal ways to limit unhealthy food options

No new snack bars near schools? Amsterdam looks for legal ways to limit unhealthy food options

Amsterdam is attempting to legally restrict new unhealthy food outlets, especially near schools, by testing the boundaries of current environmental laws in court. The city hopes this pilot case will either empower local authorities to act now or provide the necessary evidence to pressure the national government into finalizing a new Food Act.

Municipality to open its own healthy restaurant to combat excess of fast food outlets

Municipality to open its own healthy restaurant to combat excess of fast food outlets

The Amsterdam municipal government plans to open and then deny a permit for its own unhealthy restaurant to test legal limits regarding health-based zoning. By taking the matter to court, officials aim to establish a precedent that would allow the city to restrict new fast-food establishments in the future.

End to intake freeze at Levvel, youths with severe issues can once again be admitted in Amsterdam

End to intake freeze at Levvel, youths with severe issues can once again be admitted in Amsterdam

Care organization Levvel has ended its intake freeze for Amsterdam youth following successful negotiations to secure more beds for those in need of severe residential care. While access has been restored, the municipality is demanding better coordination among providers and has initiated an independent financial audit of Levvel to ensure future stability.

VVD wants smoke- and vape-free zones around schools

VVD wants smoke- and vape-free zones around schools

The Amsterdam VVD has proposed a ban on smoking and vaping within 50 meters of schools to combat rising youth nicotine addiction. The plan also includes stricter enforcement against illegal flavored vapes and the creation of improved cessation support services for students.

UMC: increasingly unhealthy food supply in cities, Amsterdam also scores poorly: 'Hurry up with Food Law'

UMC: increasingly unhealthy food supply in cities, Amsterdam also scores poorly: 'Hurry up with Food Law'

A study by the UMC across ten Dutch cities shows that urban food environments have become increasingly unhealthy over the last decade. Local officials are now calling for a new national Food Act to grant municipalities the legal power to regulate unhealthy food vendors, especially near schools.