Reports

RSV (respiratory syncytial virus) is the leading cause of lower respiratory tract infections in babies under one year old. During 2024, two new preventive drugs will appear on the Belgian market to combat this virus. Both are safe and effective.

The Superior Health Council advises against the commercialisation of foods for special medical purposes (FSMPs) containing breast milk intended for premature babies with (very) low birth weight. This advice is based on several considerations.

Vaccination against meningococcal ACWY has been part of the basic vaccination schedule for children and adolescents since 2019. For certain risk groups, the SHC recommends the meningococcal group B vaccine, with booster doses for both vaccines depending on the group.

Third National Environment-Health Action Plan (NEHAP3)

Draft Royal Decree regulating fumigation and defumigation.

So far, no transmission of COVID-19 through organ or tissue transplantation has been reported, except for lung transplants. But, as SARS-CoV-2 has been detected in many tissues and cells, the possibility of such transmission cannot be totally ruled out.

Alcohol may indeed be an ingredient in certain "health" products consumed by adolescents and children. In this report the Superior Health Council addressed the presence of alcohol in preparations "with an effect on health" and its potential impact on young consumers.

Since March 2023, the vaccine Qdenga® is available on the Belgian market. This vaccine reduces the risk of a severe course of dengue infection. The vaccine may be administered to children as young as 6 years old. Dengvaxia® is not recommended to travellers.

Filters in cigarettes do more harm than good. The Superior Health Council therefore supports a general ban on cigarette filters, both at national and European level.

The introduction of GDPR legislation has a major impact on the management and transfer of medical data, so also in the case of human organ and tissue donation. In this advisory report, the Superior Health Council assembles the issues surrounding the GDPR.

The Superior Health Council is currently revising its 2004 advisory report no. 7617 “Fish and Health". This first part of the revised document examines the risks associated with exposure to mercury and methylmercury by eating fish.

The Superior Health Council has updated the good practices for the sterilisation of medical devices. This comprehensive advisory report describes the essential steps for the correct processing of medical devices.

Does it make sense to raise the age limit for blood donations? The Superior Health Council advises to intensify recruitment campaigns targeting younger populations instead.

Wearing a mask to prevent viral respiratory infections in all circumstances (pandemic, epidemic, endemic) in healthcare activities

Patients with cystic fibrosis have specific nutritional needs due to their disease. Care should be taken to ensure that they receive enough energy and protein. They also have a greater need for minerals and fat-soluble vitamins.

The use of nitrile undergloves under regular firefighters’ gloves as a protective measure against carcinogenic exposure in fires

In this scientific advisory report, which offers guidance to public health policy-makers, the Superior Health Council of Belgium provides recommendations to physicians and patients regarding the implementation of correct in vitro testing to document IgE-mediated food allergies ...

In this scientific advisory report, which offers guidance to public health policy-makers, the Belgian Superior Health Council provides recommendations on mRNA COVID-19 vaccination for infants and children (preschool - 6 months to 5 years old) in Belgium. This report aims at providing the Belgian...

In this scientific advisory report, which offers guidance to health policy-makers and other relevant stakeholders, the Superior Health Council of Belgium provides an opinion on the exposure of children, including adolescents, to unhealthy food through media and marketing in Belgium.

In this scientific advisory report, which offers guidance to public health policy-makers,
the Superior Health Council of Belgium provides recommendations on making naloxone available to opioid users in Belgium.