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Poland prepares for mid-October rollout of JN.1 COVID-19 vaccines

03.10.2024 17:17
Starting in mid-October, the first deliveries of COVID-19 vaccines targeting the JN.1 subvariant of the coronavirus are expected, as announced by Poland's Ministry of Health.
The Ministry of Health in Poland has announced that the first shipments of COVID-19 vaccines targeting the JN.1 subvariant of the coronavirus are scheduled for delivery by October 15.
The Ministry of Health in Poland has announced that the first shipments of COVID-19 vaccines targeting the JN.1 subvariant of the coronavirus are scheduled for delivery by October 15.Maksim Goncharenok/Pexels.com/CC0

A total of 1,054,000 doses are set to be delivered to Poland, with vaccinations taking place at primary healthcare facilities and pharmacies as before. Similar to previous vaccinations, a referral from a doctor will be required to get vaccinated. Official recommendations for COVID-19 vaccinations for the 2024/2025 season in Poland are expected to be issued in the coming days.

It is anticipated that the peak of coronavirus infections may occur in the second half of October.

At the beginning of the week, Health Minister Izabela Leszczyna discussed an alternative source for purchasing vaccines, revealing that the ministry is simultaneously negotiating with Latvia to acquire vaccines.

Surge in COVID-19 infections in Poland linked to the JN.1 variant

The JN.1 COVID-19 variant is a subvariant of the coronavirus that has emerged recently, characterized by mutations that may affect its transmissibility and immune escape. It is monitored by health authorities due to concerns about its potential impact on vaccine effectiveness and the course of the pandemic.

According to the Polish state news agency PAP, the Ministry of Health reported 1,251 new COVID-19 infections in Poland over the past day. A significant increase in the number of cases has been observed since July 2024, with the rate of infections comparable to that of the previous year. The new Omicron subvariants JN.1 and KP.3 are currently dominant.

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Source: PAP/MZ/WHO

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