Poland's Ministry of Health has announced that a new vaccine, tailored to the XBB variant of COVID-19, often referred to as "Kraken," will be available from December 6 to all willing patients.
The vaccine, developed by Novavax, has been assessed as highly effective and safe. It will be freely accessible at vaccination centers, including clinics and pharmacies.
Prof. Agnieszka Szuster-Ciesielska, a microbiologist based at Marie Curie-Skłodowska University's Institute of Biological Sciences, expressed concerns over potential underreporting of COVID-19 cases.
She cited data indicating that actual infection rates could be several times higher than official statistics, with some regions reporting positive test rates as high as 75 percent.
This discrepancy is partly attributed to changes in testing policies. Since April 1, 2022, antigen tests are no longer mandatory in clinics and hospitals, with the decision to test for coronavirus now based on a doctor's assessment of symptoms.
Szuster-Ciesielska voiced her concern about privately purchased COVID-19 tests. These tests, most often conducted at home, are not recognized by doctors and can also lead to underreporting in the official system. She emphasized the importance of professional testing in clinics for accurate diagnosis and timely treatment.
The microbiologist highlighted the dual purpose of testing: to monitor the epidemiological situation and to recommend appropriate antiviral medications. She mentioned the availability of combo tests that can diagnose influenza, SARS-CoV-2, or RSV infections, which are crucial for determining effective treatment methods.
She also pointed out that the accessibility of Paxlovid, an antiviral used in COVID-19 therapy, was limited due to its high cost and lack of state subsidy.
Paxlovid is especially recommended for high-risk groups, such as the elderly, those with multiple comorbidities, cancer patients, and transplant recipients. The drug is most effective when administered in the early stages of the disease but remains financially out of reach for many who need it.
(rt/gs)
Source: PAP
