All adults in the Netherlands can now make an appointment for a booster vaccine and more than four million people have already received their third jab, according to government figures.

Outgoing health minister Hugo de Jonge had promised that everyone over the age of 18 in the country would be able to make an appointment for their booster vaccine by January 9, 2022. But as of yesterday, anyone born in 2003 and earlier could do so.

Some 30% of the adult population have already received their booster shot and public health agency RIVM expects that number will increase rapidly in the coming days. Susan van den Hof told broadcaster NOS that the campaign is ‘up to speed’.

The government is aiming for a 90% booster rate, which, computer modelling suggests, would lead to a substantial fall in hospital admissions and infections.

‘We are in a lockdown to win time for boosters, but if we don’t vaccinate, we are not making the most of it,’ Groningen University vaccine expert Anke Huckriede told RTL Nieuws. ‘Then we will have problems in the hospitals again.’

In addition, around one million people, according to press agency ANP are ineligible for the booster because they have recently had coronavirus or their second shot was less than three months ago. The RIVM advises that people wait for three months after recovery before getting a vaccination.

Contrary to rumors, the government has not changed its policy regarding waiting times following vaccination. You are still advised to wait 15 minutes after your shot to ensure no adverse reactions.