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On Wednesday, four thousand teenagers are vaccinated against meningococcus W. This is happening in Ahoy, Rotterdam. This is the first massive vaccination of this disease in the Netherlands that is offered to adolescents.
The number of cases of meningococcal disease has increased in recent years. This dangerous bacterium can cause meningitis, intoxication or even death. Because this disease is not only dangerous for young children but also for the elderly, thousands of 14-year-olds have been contacted by the National Institute of Public Health and the Environment (RIVM)
"This group has the best chance of dying from meningococcal disease," Dr. Inge Moorman told Radio Rijnmond on Wednesday morning. "Especially by vaccinating young people now, we can prevent an epidemic in the future."
Attention in the media
Although it is not mandatory for adolescents to be vaccinated, a massive turnout is expected. The Youth and Family Center, which organizes vaccination, attributes this to the great attention given to meningococci in the media
Previously, children were vaccinated against meningococcus C. This vaccination was replaced by another one protects against types A, C, W and Y.
The children of Rotterdam born between May 1 and December 31, 2004 were called for vaccination. The friends Myrthe, Gaia and Lawin are Wednesday morning in Ahoy to be vaccinated. "You protect not only yourself, but also others when you receive this vaccine," says Gaia. The pain did not do it. "You have hardly felt it".
A second group of fourteen will be invited to a shooting in the spring of 2019.
It is also expected that all young born between January 1, 2001 and May 1, 2004 will be invited in 2019. It is not known again when it will be.
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