Practice factsheet: Mobile vaccination units to increase COVID-19 vaccination uptake (Netherlands)

During the first COVID-19 vaccination campaign in the Netherlands, vaccination uptake figures showed considerable differences between regions and neighbourhoods and over time. Some of the differences were associated with accessibility and knowledge barriers where lower vaccination take-up was observed. To overcome these barriers, the Municipal Health Services deployed mobile vaccination units (MV units) in neighbourhoods throughout the Netherlands during subsequent COVID-19 vaccination campaigns.

Vaccination buses were able to contact hard-to-reach groups, providing essential vaccines in certain neighbourhoods. Healthcare professionals, often accompanied by trusted key figures locally, handed out leaflets and flyers, put up posters and engaged in personal conversations with individuals and groups. These actions aimed to limit the barriers to vaccination by offering accessible vaccination services, culturally appropriate information, and dialogue – thereby fostering trust and increasing knowledge about vaccinations.