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GPs launch site offering unused vaccine doses to prevent waste

GPs launch site offering unused vaccine doses to prevent waste

GPs and health institutions across the Netherlands have teamed up to launch prullenbakvaccin.nl (“rubbish bin vaccine”) that allows anyone who is yet to be vaccinated against coronavirus to check whether there are any leftover vaccines in their area at the end of the day. 

Dutch GPs launch prullenbakvaccin.nl to prevent vaccine waste

The coronavirus vaccination campaign in the Netherlands has faced criticism for, among other things, the number of vaccine doses that are wasted every day simply because people fail to show up for their appointments. Now, GPs and doctors have come up with a solution, launching a website that allows members of the public to see if there are any leftover vaccines within a 20-kilometre radius of where they live.

While the site doesn’t allow someone to reserve a vaccine dose, it does mean they can travel to a local vaccination site that registers leftover doses towards the end of the day. The system will work on a first come, first served basis, meaning that no one is guaranteed a vaccine, and no one will be able to chose which vaccine they receive.

The site was launched by doctors who felt something had to be done to prevent excessive vaccine waste, but who highlight that everything is carried out according to the vaccination guidelines set out by the National Institute for Public Health and Environment (RIVM). “If I don't have to throw away any vaccines because of this, that would be great,” said one of the founders Bernard Leenstra, a trainee GP.

Ministry of Health critical of new initiative

A few weeks ago, a GP in Zwolle shared an image on his Twitter account, showing how many vaccines he was forced to waste at the end of the day. This revelation led to much frustration across the country, as many wondered why the Dutch government hadn’t taken action to prevent this from happening by setting up some kind of system by which members of the public could register themselves to receive any leftover vaccines. 

While many may be relieved to hear something is being done, the Ministry of Health has spoken out against the initiative: “it is not a sensible idea.” According to the Ministry, GPs must report any leftover vaccines to the RIVM, who will then ensure the doses reach the vulnerable and elderly first. 

The Ministry also highlighted that very few doses are actually wasted, something which one of the founders of prullenbakvaccin.nl, Marlies Schijven, agrees with. But she stands by the initiative, saying “every vaccine that is thrown in the trash is one too many.”

Victoria Séveno

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Victoria Séveno

Victoria grew up in Amsterdam, before moving to the UK to study English and Related Literature at the University of York and completing her NCTJ course at the Press Association...

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LoveIsreal2 13:21 | 11 May 2021

Mind the virus before all else now, avoid travel and people before you have 2 shots of the vaccine. God really loves you, please apply all the covid safety measures and take the vaccine also use the mask. Eat & exercise healthy to avoid clots. Others and I also love you! Luke 14 Forsake all everyone and yourself for J Luke 16 Work for J not pay$, then He will give you and your family the food and clothing if they follow too Matthew 25 & Luke 12 & 6 Sell everything and give to poor asap and keep all your giving in secret Mark 16 & John 17 Share the Truth to everyone working with others in love and peace Revelation 13 & 14 Don't take the mark of the beast right hand or forehead only way to buy or sell *not vaccine or mask, but maybe implant or quantum technology Revelation 17 & 18 U.S may be the Babylon to be destroyed in one hour, with fire