Supply of AstraZeneca vaccines for Poland delayed

The said 62,000 doses of AstraZeneca vaccine were supposed to arrive in Poland on Thursday morning. They were meant to be distributed to vaccinate the so-called group zero. "Today's supply of AstraZeneca vaccines has been called off. It's possible that it will reach Poland next week" - Mr Kuczmierowski said.

He added that the company had explained the delay with "formal issues". "As a result, the supplies have been rescheduled for next week".

"AstraZeneca has informed us last last minute. In our view, such situation is absolutely scandalous. Such practices hamper the national vaccination schedule" - said the head of RARS.

He pointed out that according to the schedule, on Monday, March 8, the country expects a supply of Pfizer vaccine. "We haven't confirmed the exact date of Moderna vaccine delivery yet" - said Michał Kuczmierowski.

He also reassured that although the delay should not derail the vaccination programme, Poland is likely to receive a total 6-8 million doses in the first quarter of 2021, instead of the promised 14 million.

"The system we've created allows us to easily vaccinate 4-4,5 million Poles per month. Meanwhile, we need to adjust to the deliveries, which are very unsatisfactory" - Mr Kuczmierowski stressed.

The European Commission reassured that a special committee has been created to ensure constant communication between the vaccine producers, member states, and the EU.

The spokesman for the EU executive, Stefan De Keersmaecker, said: "We're in constant contact with the company (AstraZeneca) and we're doing all we can to ensure these crucial deliveries".