November 25, 2009. Government Warning Issued for the Netherlands
| SOURCE: | U.S. Department of State |
U.S. Consulate General Amsterdam issued the following Warden Message November 25, 2009:
This Warden Message alerts U.S. citizens to the latest information regarding human cases of 2009-H1N1 influenza, sometimes referred to as novel H1N1 or swine flu. The Dutch Minister of Health has decided, as a preventive measure, to recommend that all children born between 23 November 2004 and 23 May 2009 be vaccinated against the H1N1 virus. Furthermore, all members of households with babies younger than 5 months old are strongly advised to be vaccinated as well. Although these younger babies will not be vaccinated themselves, every care should be taken to prevent them from becoming infected with the virus through contact with older members of the family.
The country-wide vaccination program will be carried out by the municipal health services (Gemeentelijke Gezondheisdsdienst, GGD) and comprises two vaccinations with an interval between them of approximately two weeks. Vaccination will start on 23 November 2009 and will be free of charge. The GGD vaccination scheme is mentioned on http://www.grieppandemie.nl/informatie_voor/kinderen/oproep_vaccinatie. Note that the website is available in English – click on the word "English" in the upper right corner of the webpage. The Ministry of Health strongly advises individuals to take note of this vaccination plan.
All families with children in the first mentioned age group who are registered with the Municipality (GBA) will by way of the municipality receive a notice to check in at the vaccination point mentioned therein. All those concerned who are not registered with the Municipality may check in at one of the vaccination points nearest to their home address. On the website http://www.grieppandemie.nl/english/vaccination, one can easily find which GGD or vaccination point to go by pressing “Find my GGD” and entering the postal code of the home address. Upon checking in at the vaccination point, a few questions regarding name, date of birth, home or work address, and allergies must be answered in order to secure any eventual follow up in relation to the vaccination. In all cases a valid identification document may be needed. The Ministry of Health also advises that questions related to this vaccination program can be addressed to www.grieppandemie.nl/english/vaccination (information in English is available on this website).
If you are quarantined or placed in isolation due to 2009-H1N1 influenza, please contact the Consulate General at the number below and let us know, so we can monitor your situation. However, please be aware that the Consulate General cannot demand your immediate release if you have been detained or quarantined in accordance with local public health and legal authorities.
Due to legal restrictions and a lack of sufficient resources, neither the Consulate General nor the U.S. Embassy The Hague is not in a position to provide private citizens with pandemic-related supplies, medications or medical treatment, including vaccines, and cannot provide specific medical advice. As a reminder to all U.S. Citizens living in the Netherlands, you and your family must be registered with a local General Practitioner (huisarts) in order to have access to the H1N1 vaccine or antiviral medications through the huisarts in a timely manner. Questions and concerns about influenza or other illnesses should be directed to a medical professional. The U.S. Consulate General Amsterdam website contains regular updates regarding the status of the H1N1 flu outbreak in the Netherlands as well as Internet links for more information.
For more information on how to prepare for a severe pandemic, please see the State Department "Pandemic Influenza Fact Sheet" and "Options During a Pandemic" flyer located at www.travel.state.gov. Detailed information about 2009-H1N1 influenza can be found on the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website, the U.S. Government's federal influenza website, and the World Health Organization website.
U.S. citizens residing or traveling in the Netherlands are encouraged to register with the Consulate General through the State Department's travel registration website to obtain updated travel and security information. U.S. citizens without Internet access may register directly with the Consulate General. Registration is important; it allows the Consulate General and the State Department to assist you in an emergency.
Copyright © 2009, U.S. Department of State