Czechia discarded over 17 million expired COVID-19 vaccines since 2021

Since 2021, Czechia has disposed of more than 17 million expired COVID-19 vaccines worth around CZK 7.5 billion, according to iROZHLAS.cz and the Ministry of Health. The country has purchased about 40 million doses in total. With declining interest in vaccination and frequent updates to match new virus strains, older vaccines are discarded. Deputy Minister Jakub Dvořáček stated that new adapted doses are expected in autumn. Czechia will continue purchasing vaccines until 2026, but likely in lower quantities than initially agreed.