Rising Childhood Vaccination Rates in [City/Region] – HPV, MMR & Meningitis

Rising Childhood Vaccination Rates in [City/Region] – HPV, MMR & Meningitis

February 17, 2026 discoverhiddenusacom Health

Vaccination rates for school-aged children and young people in Amsterdam have been increasing since 2023, a trend offering cautious optimism for public health officials. The gains are seen across several key vaccinations, though rates still fall short of internationally recommended levels.

Significant Gains in HPV Vaccination

The most substantial increase has been observed in HPV vaccinations among children under 10 years old. Vaccination uptake rose by 8.7 percentage points compared to 2023, climbing from 59.6% in 2023 to 68.3% in 2025. Increases were also noted in the BMR (measles, mumps, and rubella) vaccine, moving from 74.3% to 77.7%, and the meningococcal vaccine, which saw a 2 percentage point increase to 66.3% among 14-year-olds.

Did You Know? During a measles outbreak last year, the majority of those infected resided in areas of Amsterdam with lower vaccination rates.

Bridging the Gap Between Neighborhoods

Importantly, the improvements aren’t uniform across the city. The increases are most pronounced in areas that have historically experienced lower vaccination rates. These include Geuzenveld-Slotermeer, De Aker, Nieuw Sloten, and Osdorp in Nieuw-West, Bijlmer Oost in Zuidoost, and the eastern part of Noord.

Currently, BMR vaccination rates are above 60% across all areas, and HPV vaccination rates are above 40%. These figures are significant because lower vaccination rates have demonstrable consequences, as evidenced by the recent measles outbreak.

A Long-Term Effort

Despite these positive developments, vaccination rates remain below the safe standards set by the World Health Organization (WHO). Wethouder Alexander Scholtes has acknowledged that the “neighborhood-focused approach” is proving effective. He also expressed his satisfaction that structural funding for this approach is included in the national coalition agreement, though this funding won’t be available until 2027.

Expert Insight: The reliance on a funding timeline that begins in 2027 highlights the challenges of sustaining public health initiatives. A gap in funding could potentially stall the progress made and undermine the benefits of the current wijkgerichte aanpak.

Scholtes is requesting interim funding from the cabinet and the Second Chamber to maintain momentum. He emphasized that raising vaccination rates requires “a long breath and a stable, structural commitment.”

Frequently Asked Questions

What vaccinations are seeing increased uptake?

Vaccinations against HPV, BMR (measles, mumps, and rubella), and meningococcal disease are all experiencing increased uptake among school-aged children and young people in Amsterdam.

Where are the biggest improvements being seen?

The largest increases in vaccination rates are occurring in areas of Amsterdam that have historically had lower vaccination coverage, including neighborhoods in Nieuw-West, Zuidoost, and Noord.

Are vaccination rates currently high enough?

No, despite the increases, vaccination rates remain below the safe standards recommended by the World Health Organization.

As Amsterdam continues to address vaccination coverage, what role do you think community engagement and targeted outreach will play in achieving and maintaining optimal public health outcomes?