Netherlands Raises COVID Vaccine Age Recommendation to 70+

March 10, 2026 Nkechi Okonkwo- Health Editor Health

The Dutch Health Council (Gezondheidsraad) has adjusted its advice regarding COVID-19 vaccination, recommending that the age threshold for routine vaccination be raised from 60 to 70 years and older. This shift, announced on March 10, 2026, reflects a changing risk profile and a decrease in the overall impact of COVID-19 compared to other respiratory infections like influenza. The recommendation applies to vaccination rounds in the autumn of 2026 and 2027.

Shifting Risk and the 70+ Recommendation

For the past several years, COVID-19 vaccination strategies have focused on protecting vulnerable populations. However, data analyzed by the Gezondheidsraad indicates that the risk of hospitalisation due to COVID-19 increases more significantly from age 70 onwards. Research from 2023 and 2024 demonstrated this clear increase in risk, prompting the council to reassess the optimal age for routine vaccination. As reported by NOS, this adjustment aims to focus vaccination efforts on those at the highest risk of severe illness.

While the age threshold is changing, the Health Council maintains that individuals aged 50 to 69 with underlying medical conditions should continue to be eligible for vaccination. These conditions include COPD, heart failure, diabetes, and chronic kidney disease, all of which elevate the risk of severe outcomes from a COVID-19 infection. This continued eligibility ensures that those with pre-existing vulnerabilities remain protected.

Who Remains Eligible for COVID-19 Vaccination?

The updated advice doesn’t just impact the 60-69 age group. Several other groups will continue to be offered COVID-19 vaccination. These include:

  • Individuals aged 70 and older: The primary target group for routine vaccination.
  • Individuals aged 50-69 with underlying medical conditions: Those with conditions that increase their risk of severe illness.
  • Healthcare workers: Specifically, those in direct contact with vulnerable patients, to protect both themselves and those they care for.
  • Individuals in medical high-risk groups: People with conditions like leukemia, sickle cell disease, severe kidney failure, or congenital immune deficiencies.

This multi-pronged approach aims to balance the need for broad protection with a focus on those most likely to experience severe consequences from COVID-19. The Gezondheidsraad’s official statement emphasizes the importance of protecting these vulnerable groups as the virus continues to circulate.

Understanding the Evolving Landscape of COVID-19

The decision to raise the age threshold reflects a broader trend: a decrease in the overall severity of COVID-19 infections. While the virus hasn’t disappeared, the number of infections, hospitalisations, and deaths has declined in recent years. However, the Health Council notes that the impact of COVID-19 remains higher than that of other common respiratory infections, such as the flu. What we have is why continued vaccination, particularly for those at higher risk, is still considered important.

It’s important to understand that this recommendation is based on current data and may be subject to change as the virus evolves and new information becomes available. The Health Council regularly reviews the evidence and adjusts its advice accordingly. RTL Nieuws reports that the council considered the impact on vulnerable groups when making this decision, aiming to provide the best possible protection against severe illness and death.

The Role of the Gezondheidsraad and Future Guidance

The Gezondheidsraad is an independent advisory body that provides the Dutch government with recommendations on public health issues. While the Minister of Health, Welfare and Sport typically follows the council’s advice, the final decision on vaccination policy rests with the government. The current advice applies to the autumn of 2026 and the subsequent vaccination round in the autumn of 2027.

What to Expect in the Coming Months

The Ministry of VWS (Volksgezondheid, Welzijn en Sport) will now review the Gezondheidsraad’s advice and determine how to implement the changes. This will likely involve updating vaccination guidelines and communicating the new recommendations to healthcare professionals and the public. Further details regarding the timing and logistics of the vaccination campaign are expected to be announced in the coming months. Individuals should continue to monitor official public health updates for the latest information and guidance.

The ongoing surveillance of COVID-19 and its variants will be crucial in informing future vaccination strategies. The Health Council will continue to monitor the situation and provide updated advice as needed, ensuring that the Netherlands remains prepared to protect its population from the evolving threat of COVID-19.