Other events in Baltic States

The Estonian Social Ministry is considering whether to return the excess new flu vaccine to producers or donate to the World Health Organisation (WHO) for countries who need help, LETA/Postimees writes.

Since a new seasonal flu vaccine would be developed for the next winter, and that might include the new flu component, the majority of vaccine bought by Estonia will most likely remain unused.

Social Ministry people’s health department adviser Martin Kadai said that they intend to discuss with vaccine producers what the chances are of returning the excess vaccine to them. He didn’t want to comment in more detail since meetings haven’t yet taken place. Also a proposal will be made to donate the excess vaccine to WHO.

WHO’s representative in Estonia Jarno Habicht said that coordinating humanitarian aid is one of the tasks of WHO. The organisation will try to take the vaccine to many states so that it would be justly available.

“There are talks under way at present with a bit more than ten states who are making or considering making a donation of new flu vaccine to WHO,” said Habicht. Estonia hasn’t yet submitted an official proposal.

Estonia bought in December and January last year 250,000 dosages of new flu vaccine. According to Health Board data, less than 50,000 vaccinations had been carried out by the end of February. It will become clear in April how much vaccine will be unused as then healthcare staff submits the final vaccine expense reports.