The government has launched a new coronavirus vaccination round for the over-60s and younger people with certain health conditions, and the first invitations for a jab arrived on Tuesday.

Everyone over the age of 60 is being invited to have the vaccination by letter, while others considered to be at extra risk will be able to make an appointment via planjeprik.nl. More than seven million of the Dutch population of 18 million are eligible for the new dose.

Last year, some 2.7 million people had the top-up vaccination, including 50% of the over-60s.

A new variant of coronavirus known as FLiRT took hold in the Netherlands this summer and people can still become extremely ill, experts say. However, the number of people admitted to hospital and the percentage of virus particles in waste water indicate infections are now going down.

“A new vaccination won’t prevent every infection but will reduce the risk of becoming seriously ill, hospital admission and death,” infectious disease expert Chantal Rovers said.

The vaccine on offer was made by Pfizer and according to the national health council it offers the best protection against the current variant.

The first appointments can be made from September 16 and the campaign runs until December 6.