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Aug 30, 2026
Czechia Spent CZK 19 Billion on COVID Vaccines and Used Less Than Half
Prague Morning
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The Czech Republic has spent roughly CZK 19 billion on COVID-19 vaccines since 2020, but fewer than half of the 41 million doses supplied under its pandemic-era procurement agreement were ultimately used in the country.
More than 18 million doses expired and had to be destroyed, representing a value of about CZK 8 billion.
A further four million doses were donated to other countries, according to information provided by the Czech Ministry of Health in response to a request from the Czech Technical Committee.
For the 2026-27 vaccination season, around 900,000 doses will be available in the country. By comparison, fewer than one-third of that number was administered during the previous season. The vaccination season runs from September through the end of August the following year.
Demand for COVID-19 vaccination has fallen sharply since the initial rollout. More than 15 million doses were administered during the first year vaccines were widely available. A year later, demand had fallen to roughly one-fifth of that level. Between 2022 and 2023, interest dropped by more than 80 percent, followed by further declines of about one-third in subsequent years.
Only about 1,500 doses had been administered by July 26 this year. Most vaccinations, however, take place during the autumn months.
The low demand has contributed to substantial vaccine waste. When the original purchases were made, authorities faced considerable uncertainty over how the pandemic would develop, how many booster doses would be required and how many people would seek vaccination.
Maintaining sufficient supplies was considered necessary in case the epidemiological situation deteriorated.
The Czech Republic is now considering a different approach to future procurement. The Ministry of Health is negotiating with vaccine manufacturers, health insurance companies and medical organisations over supplies and financing for the 2027-28 season. The talks are taking into account both the expected demand and the cost-effectiveness of vaccination.
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