On 31 August 2024, the vaccine against COVID-19, which over 25 million in Poland, expires. The cost of these preparations amounted to PLN 2.5 billion. Is it a waste of taxpayers' money, or is it simply a failure to manage resources? It is worth noting that late Minister Leschina ordered further doses of spokes for which taxpayers will pay.
Vaccines for PLN 2.5 billion for disposal
Poland seems to be a very rich country, since we can afford to waste PLN 2.5 billion to buy COVID-19 vaccines, which were yet not used. According to the Government strategical Reserve Agency (RARS), there are now more than 25.3 million COVID-19 vaccines in storage. According to the Ministry of Health, on August 31, 2024, these preparations expire.
In the July communication, the Ministry provided the following information on the dates of validity of the individual vaccines:
- Nuvaxovid XBB.1.5. per dose for persons aged 12+ has a expiry date of 31.08.201224.
- Comirats BA.4–5 – 31.07.2024.
- Comirnata dose for children Junior 5-11 years – until 31.08.20124.
No consequence to vaccine disposal
Portal marketzdrowia.pl addressed a request for the disposal of unused vaccines to the Government strategical Reserve Agency, but has not yet received an authoritative consequence on the planned actions. As we can read in the article: “The disposal of 25 million doses is equivalent to the waste of about PLN 2.5 billion. The cost of unused covid vaccines may be even higher."
Consequences of withdrawal from the contract with Pfizer
The issue is complicated, that in 2022 Poland decided to retreat from the contract with Pfizer, which was faced with the reaction of the company that decided to sue us. The full situation so has not only a financial dimension but besides a legal dimension, which may consequence in additional costs related to possible damages or judicial costs.
Vaccine deficiency in the face of another wave of infections
This situation is becoming even more curiosity in the context of public health. According to the Chief Sanitary Inspector, Paweł Grzesiowski, for any time we can observe an increase in the number of coronavirus infections, which may propose another wave.
Summary
This full situation raises questions about the efficiency of public resource management. The question should be asked at this point: Can Poland afford specified waste? Is this the consequence of a deficiency of coordination and planning, or is it simply the effect of a rapidly changing epidemic situation and a reduced request for vaccination? Regardless of the answer, the failure of PLN 2.5 billion to unused vaccines is simply a bitter lesson for politicians who do not know the basics of mathematics.
Daniel Głogowski
Expert in his field – Publicist, author and social activist. The first articles were published in 1999 for global publishers. For more than 30 years, he has gained his experience through cooperation with the largest editorial offices. In his articles, he seeks to address controversial topics and present first viewpoints that allowed for a deeper knowing of the issues discussed.
More here:
On Saturday, 2.5 million covid spokes expire. PLN 2.5 billion thrown in the mud
