Health Council: no COVID-19 vaccine needed for adults under 50 who get flu shot

The Dutch Health Council has recommended that people aged 18 to 49 who receive the annual flu vaccine should not get the COVID-19 shot this fall. According to the council, the risk of severe illness or death from COVID-19 for this group is now lower than in previous years, making the added benefit of the vaccination limited, RTL reports.

However, the council has advised that the COVID-19 vaccine should still be offered to those 60 years and older, individuals with high medical risks, and those in their 50s who receive the flu shot. Additionally, healthcare workers in direct contact with vulnerable patients should continue to receive the COVID-19 vaccine.

For those in higher-risk groups, the Health Council emphasized that vaccination remains a crucial defense. "These groups have a significantly increased risk upon infection, and vaccination provides effective protection against the virus," a spokesperson stated.

In the most recent vaccination campaign, from September to December, more than 2.5 million people received their COVID-19 shot, slightly fewer than the previous year.