COVID-19 vaccinations have been halted in many places. As of September 1, no COVID-19 vaccines are available, with only a few doses left in select pharmacies. Meanwhile, Deputy Health Minister Wojciech Konieczny warns that the peak of the COVID-19 wave will hit in mid-October.
Shortage of COVID-19 Vaccines
New supplies are expected to arrive in October.
Contracts are being finalized. The main deliveries of these vaccines will arrive in October, and we are making efforts to ensure some arrive in September
- Deputy Minister Konieczny announced in late August. These vaccines will be the next generation, suited to the latest virus mutation.
However, Poland has fallen behind, as other European countries already have vaccines approved by the European Medicines Agency (EMA) through centralized purchasing.
Other countries already have vaccines approved by the EMA because they made centralized purchases, whereas we had to organize a separate tender. The only company with an approved vaccine did not participate in the tender
- Health Minister Izabela Leszczyna explained on Polsat News.
Latvia to Help Fill Poland's Shortage?
Leszczyna attributes the issue to the Law and Justice party, which had previously withdrawn from the EU's centralized vaccine purchases. Now, the Ministry is trying to resolve the problem.
I am in contact with the health minister of an EU country, specifically Latvia, and we will purchase vaccines and receive them so that they will be available in September
- she stated.
According to Leszczyna, COVID-19 has become a seasonally recurring illness, and thus, an increase in cases can be expected during the autumn season. However, most people should experience it in a typical manner (similar to the flu).
Nevertheless, the vaccine is important and necessary
- the Minister emphasized. If the vaccine supply reaches Poland in September, priority will be given to seniors and immunocompromised individuals.
