The elderly and people with fragile health
Vulnerable groups
A large part of the Dutch population is well protected against COVID-19 through vaccination and/or infection. We know from research that you can still get sick, but if you do get sick you are usually not seriously ill. By seriously ill we mean that you can be admitted to hospital or that there is a risk of death.
Increased risk
Some people are more at risk of becoming seriously ill from COVID-19. Especially if they have no immune system due to vaccinations and/or a previous COVID-19 illness. These people belong to a risk group. If you belong to a risk group, it is especially important that you get a vaccination against COVID-19 and the repeat shot. As a result, you are generally well protected against serious illness.
Additional advice applies to people in high-risk groups to prevent contamination. These recommendations also apply if you visit people who belong to a risk group. Read more on MijnVraagOverCorona.nl | Rijksoverheid.nl.
More information about which people have a higher risk of becoming very ill from corona on the RIVM site in Dutch Risk groups and COVID-19 | RIVM. This also contains advice for (parents of) children with a chronic illness or disorder.
Advice for the elderly and people with fragile health, and for people who visit or care for them.
The elderly and people with fragile health are more at risk of becoming seriously ill if they get corona. The risk of contamination is greater after the last advices and measures are lifted. The repeat shot allows them to better protect themselves. The tips and advices reduce the risk of infection.
Vaccination
Make sure you get a recent vaccination and possibly a repeat vaccination. Anyone from the age of 12, who has not yet passed the basic series or repeat vaccination, can still get it. Have you passed the repeat vaccination from September 19, 2022? Then it is not necessary to get another repeat shot.
Keep your distance and avoid crowds
Keeping your distance is the best way to avoid getting a respiratory infection. Ask people to keep their distance if you want to be extra careful. Especially if they have complaints that may be consistent with a respiratory infection such as the flu or corona. You can wear a mouth nose mask (minimum type II or IIR) in places where it is difficult to keep a distance of 1.5 meters. Go shopping at a quiet time as much as possible.
Make appointments
Make agreements with each other if you have a fragile health yourself, or if you are going to visit a vulnerable person. For example, about keeping your distance or wearing a mouth nose mask. If you have respiratory complaints (coughing, sneezing, sore throat and or a runny nose), you can postpone your visit or wear a mouth-nose mask. Someone can have these complaints with both the coronavirus and the flu virus.
Keep in mind the basic advice:
• Stay at home when you are sick
• Consult with your employer whether you can work from home if you have minor complaints
• Avoid physical contact with people who can become seriously ill from a respiratory infection if you have symptoms yourself. Wear a mouth nose mask if physical contact is necessary (such as with informal care or home care)
• Cough and sneeze into your elbow
• Wash your hands often and thoroughly, even if you have no complaints
• Ensure sufficient ventilation of indoor spaces