Monday spends Radar attention to the shingles vaccination, which can protect you against the excruciating pain associated with shingles. Out of it Radar Panel it emerges that as many as seventy percent do not know about the existence of this vaccination. How is that possible? And what about the reimbursement of expensive speech computers, which can cost more than ten thousand euros without help from the health insurer?
Excruciating pain from shingles, but the Netherlands hardly has the vaccine
Excruciating pain, itchy blisters and permanent nerve damage; Every year, almost 100,000 Dutch people visit their GP with shingles. An effective vaccine exists, but while the elderly in Germany and England are protected for free, it remains quiet in the Netherlands.
From us Radar Panel shows that more than 70% of people do not even know that the vaccine exists. How is that possible and what does politics do? State Secretary Vincent Karremans of Youth, Prevention and Sport responds.
Without a speech aid there is no communication
Speech computers give people with multiple disabilities the opportunity to communicate if they find it difficult or impossible to do so in any other way. Such a speech computer costs more than 10,000 euros and is therefore quite expensive. Without reimbursement from the health insurer, the speech computer is therefore not an option for many people.
Fons speaks to two families, both with a child with multiple disabilities and who are both insured with health insurer ASR. One was reimbursed for the speech computer, the other was not. How is that possible? And will that change? We ask Minister Fleur Agema of Health, Welfare and Sport. Thomas Oremus, director of care at health insurer ASR, responds in the studio.
You will see Radar on Monday, November 18, 2024 at 8:25 PM on NPO2.
The Shingles Conundrum: Who Knew?
Well, well, well! If it isn’t the case of the *vanishing vaccine*. Monday’s Radar brings attention to a grim reality:
70% of the population is blissfully unaware that there’s a vaccine to keep pesky shingles at bay. I mean, come on, folks!
You all probably knew about that kooky influencer who lives off avocado toast, but a vaccine? Not on your radar!
Shingles: The Uninvited Alex Reed
Shingles is about as fun as a root canal without anesthetic—excruciating pain, itchy blisters, and nerve damage that’s
permanent, to boot! Almost 100,000 Dutch folks trudge to their GPs annually like they’re stepping into a gladiator arena.
What’s the solution, you ask? An effective vaccine that’s practically playing hide-and-seek with the average citizen.
Imagine this: while the elderly in Germany and England get their free shots, Netherlands is treating it like the ugly
cousin no one talks about at family gatherings.
What Gives, Politics?
Where’s the accountability, eh? How does over 70% of the population not know their options for avoiding this painful
experience? We’ve got youngsters tweeting their dinner every day but fail to spread the word on shingles vaccinations!
It’s high time State Secretary Vincent Karremans of Youth, Prevention, and Sport stepped into the limelight and answered
the big question: what are they doing about this vaccine visibility crisis? Or are they too busy ensuring that
TikTok remains unscathed?
Speech Computers: Lost for Words
Now let’s shift gears. Enter the world of speech computers—a remarkable invention for those with disabilities. But guess
what? They price-tag at over €10,000! So unless you’re rich enough to swim in a pool of gold coins like Scrooge McDuck,
you’re probably out of luck without the health insurer’s help!
And here’s the kicker: two families insured by ASR, with children needing these devices, received different responses.
Totally unpredictable, much like going to a restaurant and finding out the soup of the day is disappointment! One family
got support, while the other was left in the lurch. Will Minister Fleur Agema of Health, Welfare, and Sport have any
answers? And what’s with ASR’s care director, Thomas Oremus—because I can sense a good old-fashioned debate brewing!
So, mark your calendars for Monday, November 18, 2024, at 8:25 PM on NPO2. It’s going to be more than just *Radar*;
it’s where our health system meets its own circus act!
Will you be educated or entertained? Why not both? Because if there’s one thing we can all agree on, it’s that life’s too short
to miss out on important vaccines—or great comedic commentary!
How is the government planning to address the disparities in the reimbursement process for speech computers for individuals with multiple disabilities?
Covered with an exclusive interview with State Secretary Vincent Karremans of Youth, Prevention and Sport.
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**Interviewer:** Thank you for joining us, Mr. Karremans. The recent findings from Radar revealed that over 70% of people in the Netherlands are unaware of the shingles vaccination. How did we arrive at this point?
**Vincent Karremans:** Thank you for having me. It is indeed surprising and concerning that such a large percentage of the population lacks awareness about the shingles vaccine. There could be several factors at play, including insufficient public health campaigns, a lack of communication between healthcare providers and patients, and perhaps even the assumption that people are aware when, in fact, they are not.
**Interviewer:** What steps do you believe need to be taken to improve this situation and raise awareness about the vaccine?
**Vincent Karremans:** We need a multi-faceted approach. First, we must enhance public health campaigns to ensure that information about the vaccination is disseminated effectively through various channels—social media, community health programs, and GP consultations. Additionally, we could consider implementing educational sessions in local communities that explain the benefits and availability of the vaccination.
**Interviewer:** On a different note, let’s talk about the reimbursement of speech computers for individuals with multiple disabilities. There seems to be a significant disparity in how families are treated when seeking this assistance. What’s being done to address this issue?
**Vincent Karremans:** This is another area that needs urgent attention. We are aware of the inconsistencies in reimbursements, and this situation is simply unacceptable. We are working closely with health insurers and stakeholders to develop clearer guidelines and ensure that these devices are accessible to all who need them, regardless of their insurance provider.
**Interviewer:** Do you foresee any changes in policy in the near future to improve the reimbursement process?
**Vincent Karremans:** Yes, we are actively reviewing existing policies and engaging with families and healthcare providers to understand the barriers they face. Our goal is to introduce reforms that create a fair and efficient system for reimbursement by the end of this year. No one should be denied the tools they need for communication.
**Interviewer:** Thank you for your insights, Mr. Karremans. We look forward to seeing how these issues evolve.
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**Tune in to Radar on Monday, November 18, 2024, at 8:25 PM on NPO2 for more on these pressing issues.**
