In the tradition of meningococcal vaccines: "There is a lot of anxiety"

"Symptoms of W-type meningococcal disease include nausea, diarrhea, sudden fever, patches, or stiff necks.Persons who survive may experience permanent sequelae, such as brain damage or death. members, "summarizes young physician Inge Moorman. But you can also die within 24 hours. In 2017, 11 children died, up to 18 years of age this year, according to RIVM figures.

Preventing an outbreak

It is therefore essential that the group of adolescents who have received an RIVM vaccination call comply with this rule, says Moorman. "It is precisely this group that is most likely to die from a meningococcal infection.It is precisely by vaccinating them that we can prevent a home."

Today, in Ahoy, Rotterdam, children born in Rotterdam between May 1 and December 31, 2004 are filled. . A second group of 14 will be formed next spring. "He is very busy, everything is fine," said Hans Butselaar of the Center for Youth and Family.

An old companion died

Butselaar: "It should be noted that with this vaccination, the participation rate is very high.We have received many questions about the risks of non-vaccination and the media also learned that young people had died. "

Ryan Boedhram, a hospital pharmacist at Lairesse Pharmacy, also sees this interest. "This raises a lot of concern, we get many requests for vaccinations, also from parents and doctors who do not want to wait any longer, which has put us at odds with the fact that we have begun to train a list of waiting. " stock

Although Boedhram wants to help everyone, he can not just buy a vaccine. "A doctor or other practitioner must support that and write an order." At the moment, he has three other vaccines in stock, but since he does not have a daily delivery, some will have to wait a few weeks.

ACWY Meningococcal Vaccination

Previously, children were vaccinated against meningococcus C. This vaccine was replaced by one that protects against types A, C, W and Y. Since 2015, the number of people infected by meningococcal W increased. Therefore, the RIVM began vaccinating toddlers and young against A, C, W and Y types.

The intention is that all young born between January 1, 2001 and May 1 2004 be invited next year. It is unclear when they will all be vaccinated.

Source: RIVM