In search of lost vaccines

- You should not say anything about medicines. Because of your decisions, I now have to look all over the world for vaccines," Health Minister Izabela Leszczyna said during the debate on next year's draft budget toward Law and Justice deputies. At the same time, the head of the Health Ministry announced, between the lines, a change - probably starting next year - in COVID-19 vaccinations. Izabela Leszczyna stressed that the state is obliged to ensure that they are available free of charge for the elderly and those in groups at increased risk of severe disease. - For everyone else, they are simply to be available, she explained, which could be interpreted as an announcement of the introduction of a fee for the majority of the population (such a decision had already been announced by the UK).

As of today, however, the vaccination remains free. And difficult to access, despite the fact that, as reported in the media, another shipment of more than 200,000 doses arrived in Poland over the holiday weekend. The problems, however, are compounded not only by a low supply of vaccines in relation to interest (spurred not only by the large number of infections, which "reminded" of the need for vaccination, but also by rationed access), but perhaps most importantly by the limited number of vaccination centers, which additionally struggle with bureaucratic restrictions, imposed primarily by the National Health Fund. It is hardly surprising that some experts have even begun to speak - with only some exaggeration - of the Fund as an anti-vaccine institution.

There is no doubt at all, the lost months - and we lost a good six months - cannot be made up in this infection season, which of course does not mean that it is not worth getting vaccinated. It is worth it, and you should, because SARS-CoV-2 will not at all extinguish its activity even with the arrival of spring. Especially people who received their last dose of vaccine, for example, a year ago (or earlier) should try to update their protection as soon as possible, even if they are not in the highest risk groups. We should also take care - since the state has abdicated on this issue - to protect our closest seniors. Against COVID-19, against influenza.

The harm has already happened, but we can be wise after it - before the next one happens. What is needed is an urgent expert discussion of the direction in which immunization should be developed in Poland, including - being on the sidelines of the public and decision-makers - adult vaccination. It can be hoped that the new national consultant in the field of infectious diseases will give impetus to such a discussion, which will quickly move to the stage of conclusions and decisions. It is worth remembering that immunizations for the next infectious season are planned - or at least should be planned - in early spring. Even if your head is busy looking for vaccines for today, in fact - for yesterday.