Using new types of flu vaccines in the NPG

Flu is a common seasonal infectious disease caused by the influenza virus. People who are at risk of serious complications of the flu are offered annual flu vaccination as part of the Dutch National Influenza Prevention Programme (NPG). There is a continuous effort to develop new flu vaccines, and in various ways it is attempted to improve efficacy. At the request of the Ministry of Health, Welfare and Sport, the Health Council has evaluated whether it is advisable to use one or more of these new flu vaccines for the annual flu vaccination.

The council evaluated the scientific data on the efficacy, effectiveness and safety, and concludes that 3 new vaccines can be used next to the current type of vaccine. For the elderly, the new vaccines can offer better protection. The Health Council advises to properly weigh cost-effectiveness and feasibility in the final decision making: to ensure the quality of the vaccination programme, no more vaccines should be used than is reasonably feasible.