Lung doctors urge RS virus jabs for vulnerable elderly people

Lung doctors are calling for vulnerable elderly people to be vaccinated against the RS virus, but it is undecided whether the jab will be reimbursed. Zorginstituut Nederland, an advisory body to the cabinet, says new advice on three vaccines for people at increased risk of severe illness from the virus will follow in early 2027.

Last year the institute did not want to recommend reimbursement of the vaccine for vulnerable elderly people. A spokesperson said there was not yet enough scientific evidence, which the law requires: "That is why there is still insufficient scientific evidence."

The institute now says there is new evidence compared with last year, including data on hospital admissions of medical risk groups that were prevented by vaccination.

Susanne Huijts, of the infectious diseases section of the lung doctors' association NVALT, says the vaccines have proved "very effective" and give a high level of protection to everyone over 60.

Pulmonologist Chantal Kroesse of Ikazia Ziekenhuis in Rotterdam says the RS virus has a big impact on patients with chronic lung disease. Vaccination pays off, she says, because an admission costs far more than a vaccine: "Do the maths."

The Long Alliantie Nederland already argues for vaccinating vulnerable elderly people, citing successes abroad.