“Poland is refusing to take or pay for more doses of Covid-19 vaccine under the European Union’s supply contract, stepping up its dispute with major drug makers,” reports Bloomberg (Apr 19).
The government triggered a force majeure clause after failed attempts to renegotiate the deal with the EU’s executive and vaccine suppliers, Health Minister Adam Niedzielski told TVN24 news channel (April 19).
“Poland has seen lower vaccine uptake than most of the EU, leaving the government with surplus stock.”
Niedzielski said the country donated or sold almost 30 million vaccine doses, and demand has fallen recently as the pandemic subsides globally, Bloomberg continues:
“Poland has been in talks with Pfizer and expects more flexibility in negotiations planned with other vaccine makers in coming days and weeks, Niedzielski said. Other suppliers under the contract negotiated by the European Commission include Moderna Inc., Johnson & Johnson, Novavax Inc. and AstraZeneca Plc.”
“It’s a major financial burden,” said Niedzielski. “Poland is facing serious financial strains related to the influx of refugees.”