The lack of adequate testing combined with delayed access to updated vaccines and difficulties in obtaining antiviral drugs pose severe challenges for Poland to combat the ongoing COVID surge, experts warn.
With October bringing a new wave of COVID-19 infections across Europe, Poland’s daily count of new infections has hovered around 1,000 in October and November.
Recent data suggests that nearly half of those undergoing COVID-19 testing in Poland are returning positive results.
However, the absence of comprehensive testing suggests that the actual number of infections might far exceed the reported figures. The reporting system for individual antigen tests has been non-operational for over a year, hindering the accurate tracking of infection rates.
“It’s the tip of the iceberg,” Professor Joanna Zajkowska, an epidemiologist and regional consultant, told Euractiv.
“At the moment, we see an increasing number of patients, but it is not a figure we can compare to previous coronavirus waves,” she added.
Zajkowska emphasised Poland’s compliance with its responsibilities by contributing samples to European surveillance for monitoring circulating variants.
“Currently, data indicate that the variant XBB.1.5 and its subtype 1.5-like+F456L cause the highest number of cases. There are also reported cases of the older BA.2 variant,” the expert explained.
Moreover, health ministry data provided to the Medonet portal regarding the reproduction number (R) indicates that the wave of infections is just beginning to intensify.
A reproduction number above 1 implies ongoing epidemic expansion, with one infected person transmitting the virus to one or more individuals.
The ministry reported an R-value of 1.36 for Poland, compared to 1.14 in mid-August, signalling an uptick in the epidemic.
In response to the evolving epidemiological scenario and the rising concern for increased SARS-CoV-2 morbidity, some hospitals have initiated visitation restrictions.
Despite the absence of a mask mandate, outpatient visitors are advised to wear masks, sanitise their hands and observe social distancing.
No updated vaccines available
“Precautions we have known so far, such as distancing, masks, and handwashing, should always be followed in high-risk environments […] However, vaccination remains a crucial tool to minimise the risk of infection,” Zajkowska noted.
The World Health Organisation (WHO) recommendations for vaccinations consider COVID-19 a seasonal illness.
The Speaker of the Senate, Tomasz Grodzki, said at a press conference on 9 November that updated vaccines against COVID-19 are available in all EU countries, excluding Poland and Hungary.
“We hear that the vaccine updated for the currently dominant virus variant is expected to arrive in Poland by the end of November, with distribution starting in early December, initially for high-risk groups,” Grodzki said.
As the senator pointed out, the significant increase in infections notably affects healthcare workers.
“Medical staff members claim they have not been adequately prepared for such circumstances. We are still not drawing conclusions from the pandemic. We lack vaccinations and a plan to secure hospitals in case of an increased wave of infections,” she said.
“We are waiting for a single-dose vaccine to be available in Poland”, professor Zajkowska confirmed.
“Vaccination against COVID-19 should become a permanent fixture in the annual calendar, much like the flu. However, individuals from high-risk groups should not wait and are advised to get vaccinated with an additional dose now,” she said.
According to Zajkowska, education and collective responsibility are important to properly manage health during the seasonal infection period. But beyond vaccinations, access to pharmaceuticals is also key.
While many countries already have access to antiviral drugs that can be administered at the first signs of symptoms, obtaining such drugs in Poland is currently challenging.
Moreover, the drug is sold by prescription but not reimbursed in Poland, so the cost to the patient is almost PLN 6,000 (more than €1,300) for a treatment course.
“COVID-19 has become part of the landscape of autumn and spring infections, and an increased number of cases is expected during this period. The situation is under careful observation, and there are currently no signs of the virus spiralling out of control,” she said.
“Nevertheless, it is crucial to remain vigilant and adhere to known preventive behaviours from the pandemic to curb transmission,” she concluded.
[By Paulina Mozolewska | Edited by Vasiliki Angouridi and Nathalie Weatherald]
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Source link : https://www.euractiv.com/section/health-consumers/news/poland-faces-vaccine-and-treatment-hurdles-amid-covid-19-surge/
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Publish date : 2023-11-20 03:00:00
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