Вакцина

The Latvian Ministry of Health proposes to cancel the previously made decision to provide Ukraine with 51,840 doses of the **Comirnaty Omicron LP.8.1** vaccine against Covid-19 free of charge. The relevant draft order has been submitted for approval by July 10. As the ministry explains, after the government approved the decision, Ukraine reported that it would not be able to accept the vaccines due to restrictions outlined in its contract with Pfizer. As a result, it became impossible to implement the order made in February. In fact, the transfer of vaccines never began, so no practical actions to execute the decision were taken. Now, the Ministry of Health proposes to officially recognize the February order as null and void. Initially, the Latvian government approved the transfer of vaccines after Ukraine requested urgent assistance in January. At that time, Kyiv reported a worsening epidemiological situation and a shortage of Covid-19 vaccine supplies. Initially, the discussion was about 50,000 doses, but for ease of transportation, the number was increased to 51,840 doses. These vaccines had already been purchased and paid for by Latvia. Their cost exceeded **€1.13 million**. The ministry previously noted that the demand for Covid-19 vaccination in Latvia has significantly decreased, making it impossible to use the entire stock before the expiration date within the national program. There was also consideration of the possibility of selling excess vaccines to other countries, including Ukraine. However, as the ministry explained, the manufacturer Pfizer did not allow such a deal, so the free transfer remained the only possible option. If the decision to cancel is approved by the government, Latvia will have to address the future fate of these vaccines separately. In previous calculations, the ministry indicated that their storage would cost Latvia €1,208, and possible destruction after expiration would cost €135.