Polish Health Minister Adam Niedzielski told reporters last week that Ukrainian citizens fleeing the war would be able to vaccinate themselves against the coronavirus free of charge.
“It’s an expression of our concern for the welfare of our closest neighbours,” Niedzielski said at the time.
Polish Health Minister Adam Niedzielski. Photo: PAP/Paweł Supernak
To receive the vaccine, Ukrainian refugees only have to produce an ID document, such as a permanent or temporary ID card or a passport, according to officials.
Medical help for war refugees, Ukraine
Public health officials declared on Wednesday that all Ukrainian citizens taking refuge in Poland in the wake of Russia's military aggression would be provided with medical assistance "on the same terms as Polish patients."
Poland's National Health Fund (NFZ) will cover the cost of such services from public coffers, they announced.
Deputy Health Minister Waldemar Kraska told reporters that Poland was also sending medical help to Ukrainian hospitals "in response to specific needs" amid the Russian invasion.
Poland on Thursday reported 14,068 new coronavirus infections and 266 more deaths related to COVID-19, bringing the country's total number of cases during the pandemic to 5,708,827 and fatalities to 112,130.
A total of 53,414,424 coronavirus vaccine shots have been administered in the country so far, including 28,556 over the last 24 hours, officials announced on Thursday.
Poland lifted most COVID-19 restrictions at the start of this month after the government said the coronavirus pandemic was easing in the country.
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Source: IAR, PAP