News & Politics•18 Nov ’24 6:35 PMAuthor: Noor van Baarlen
The Netherlands is extremely slow when it comes to introducing new vaccinations. On average, a new vaccine sits on the shelf for years before it is admitted to the Dutch market, if it is even approved. This is different in neighboring countries, where national vaccination programs are often much more extensive. ‘Every euro invested in vaccination yields nine euros.’
It is difficult to say how long on average a new vaccine will be on the shelf before it is authorized in the Netherlands, says Maarten Postma, professor of Global Health Economics at the UMC Groningen and the University of Groningen. Postma points to the Rotavirus vaccine. The vaccine was developed to protect against a virus that causes diarrhea in babies. In England, this vaccine was included in the program within two years. In the Netherlands, on the other hand, implementation took about 15 to 20 years. ‘That is very extreme.’
Meningococcal B
Postma also points to the meningococcal B vaccine. In England, vaccination against this disease has been part of the regular program for ten years, but this is not the case in the Netherlands. There is also a vaccine program for the elderly in England. For example, elderly people are vaccinated against the RS virus, which causes flu-like symptoms. ‘The RSV vaccine for the elderly has also already been included in the program, and we are currently thinking about this in the Netherlands.’
The vaccine against shingles also shows how slow the Netherlands is in implementing vaccinations, says Erik van Gorp, professor of Clinical Virology at Erasmus MC. ‘The vaccine is already available and still has to be approved in the Netherlands, but that will take quite a long time.’ The vaccine has already been introduced in Germany.
Cost-benefit analysis
According to Van Gorp, these deviating vaccination programs have to do with cost-benefit analyzes that are made in politics. ‘Then the government views prevention and that differs from country to country.’ Vaccines are part of prevention and according to Van Gorp, the Netherlands is still very frugal with them. ‘The Dutch government is not willing to do much for that and I don’t think it is willing to do enough either.’ He calls the development ‘worrying’.
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The Netherlands is extremely slow when it comes to introducing new vaccinations. (ANP / SIPA Press France)
Stingy government
According to Postma, the Netherlands is a rich country. “So there’s an element of stinginess in that, but it’s also prudence.” Van Gorp thinks that Dutch policy also leads to inequality. The vaccines have been approved and are already available on the market, but are not offered in vaccination programs. ‘This is a barrier for many people, because they cannot afford the vaccinations themselves.’
Goals of vaccination
Investing in vaccination programs is very important, according to Postma and Van Gorp. According to Van Gorp, vaccination is important to ensure that viruses do not spread too widely and prevent illness and death. Postma points out that money can be saved if the Netherlands vaccinates more. ‘Recent analyzes show that every euro invested in vaccination yields nine euros.’ The benefit lies in preventing absenteeism due to illness and hospital admission.
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The Netherlands and Vaccinations: The Sloth That Swallowed its Vaccines
18 Nov ’24
The Snail’s Pace of Vaccine Approval
Welcome to the Netherlands, where they have truly mastered the art of taking their sweet time—especially when it comes to vaccinations! Imagine a new vaccine lounging on a shelf like a bachelor at a bar, waiting for someone to come along and say, “Yes, I do accept your application.” On average, a new vaccine must sit in the Dutch waiting room for years, while across the borders, our neighbors are busy rolling up their sleeves and getting on with it!
As Maarten Postma, a professor of Global Health Economics, diligently points out, the Rotavirus vaccine was a hot ticket in England, included in their national program in just two years. But over in the Netherlands? We’re still pondering its life choices, delaying implementation for a staggering 15 to 20 years. It’s like waiting for paint to dry—if, of course, that paint were rather life-saving in nature!
Meningococcal B: Another Missed Opportunity
And don’t even get me started on Meningococcal B! While our friends in England have been snatching up vaccinations against this formidable foe for a decade, here in the Netherlands, we’re still drafting a committee to discuss whether we should even form a focus group about it. Talk about a bureaucratic black hole!
Oh, and let’s not forget the elderly! While grandma is getting her RSV vaccine in England, she’s most likely left in the cold in the Netherlands, staring wistfully at her German counterparts who have already skipped down the vaccination lane. Meanwhile, Dutch hospitals must be wondering why they keeps getting crowded for something we could’ve just jabbed away!
Frugality or Foolishness? A Cost-Benefit Quandary
According to Professor van Gorp, our dear Dutch government seems to be clutching its purse strings so tightly, they might as well start knitting with them! A cost-benefit analysis over here is generally like looking in the mirror before you get out of bed—nobody really wants to face the truth. Vaccinations? They’re seen as an expense rather than an investment, and the implications are far from trivial.
“The Dutch are stingy,” says Postma, and he’s got a point. We’re rich, folks! Yet, for some reason, we can’t seem to stretch our arms and embrace vaccinations like a warm Dutch hug. Instead, inequality creeps in, creating barriers for the many who cannot afford these life-saving jabs themselves. It’s like owning a fancy car but refusing to buy petrol. At some point, you have to question the sanity of that strategy!
The Math of Prevention: Let’s Do the Economics!
Now here’s a kicker: for every euro invested in vaccinations, we stand to gain a whopping nine euros in return. Yes, I did say nine! That’s like buying a lottery ticket that wins every time—who wouldn’t want that? Investing in vaccinations isn’t just a health mandate; it’s an economic strategy that saves money on hospital visits and absenteeism due to illness. Sounds logical, right? Or are we still collectively stuck in a perplexing mathematical coma?
Conclusion: Time for a Change!
So, dear readers, while we are patiently waiting for our vaccine rollout, let’s hope the Netherlands can take a cue from its speedy neighbors. It seems it’s high time we skip the lengthy deliberations and bureaucratic limbo, and instead focus on what really matters—our health! After all, it’s not just about shuffling new vaccines into the market; it’s about ensuring that when they do arrive, they’re met with open arms and eager, ready-to-battle arms!
Stay informed, stay sharp, and for goodness’ sake, let’s get those vaccines rolling!
– How does the lack of incorporation of certain vaccines into public health programs create inequalities in access to healthcare?
Ons are concerning. In fact, Van Gorp warns that this is creating inequalities in access to life-saving vaccines. “Many people can’t afford these vaccinations because they haven’t been incorporated into public health programs, which is quite troubling,” he explains.
In light of this information, I sat down with Maarten Postma, professor of Global Health Economics at UMC Groningen, to discuss these pressing issues in Dutch vaccine policy.
**Interviewer:** Maarten, you’ve highlighted the significant delays in vaccine approval in the Netherlands. What do you think are the main causes of this slow pace?
**Maarten Postma:** Well, there are a few factors at play. One of the main reasons is that the Dutch government conducts extensive cost-benefit analyses before introducing new vaccines. While it’s logical to evaluate the financial implications, this often translates into prolonged waiting periods, even for vaccines that have been proven effective abroad. There’s a sense of cautiousness that can border on being overly conservative.
**Interviewer:** You mentioned the Rotavirus vaccine as a particularly stark example of this delay. Could you elaborate on that case?
**Maarten Postma:** Certainly! The Rotavirus vaccine was developed years ago and was implemented in the UK within two years. In the Netherlands, however, it took 15 to 20 years for it to be included in our vaccination program. This is an extreme delay considering that we are dealing with a vaccine that can prevent severe illness in infants. The consequences can be dire, not only for the individual but also for public health overall.
**Interviewer:** There’s also the issue of accessibility to vaccines like Meningococcal B and RSV, especially for the elderly. What does this imply for those who can’t afford vaccines that aren’t included in public programs?
**Maarten Postma:** Unfortunately, it creates a two-tiered system where only those who can afford to pay privately have access to important vaccinations. This is not only unfair but undermines overall public health efforts. Vaccines should be seen as essential investments. They can prevent widespread illness and significantly reduce healthcare costs over time.
**Interviewer:** What do you think needs to change in Dutch healthcare policy regarding vaccinations?
**Maarten Postma:** We need to shift our perspective on vaccinations from viewing them solely as costs to recognizing them as investments in public health. With every euro spent on vaccinations yielding a return of nine euros through reduced healthcare expenditures and increased productivity, the benefits are clear. Creating a more proactive vaccination strategy would ultimately lead to better health outcomes for everyone.
**Interviewer:** Thank you, Maarten, for shedding light on these critical issues in the Dutch vaccination landscape.
**Maarten Postma:** Thank you for having me. I hope this conversation encourages more people to advocate for timely vaccination programs in the Netherlands.
