Nepal to Dispose of Over 4 Million Expired COVID-19 Vaccine Doses
Nepal's government is preparing to dispose of over 4 million expired doses of the Chinese-made Coronavac COVID-19 vaccine, originally gifted to the nation in March 2022. The vaccine doses, received under grant assistance from China, were never administered, as Nepal's National Immunization Advisory Committee did not approve Coronavac for use as a booster.
To oversee the disposal process, Nepal's Department of Health Services has formed a three-member expert committee, which is working in consultation with experts from the World Health Organization, local vaccine specialists, and the national advisory committee. The committee aims to establish a cost-effective and safe method for disposing of the expired vaccines.
Experts have recommended incinerating the vaccine doses at high temperatures, initially suggesting cement factories for the disposal. However, after facing initial refusals from these facilities, officials have successfully arranged for a private company in Kathmandu to carry out the incineration using an appropriate incinerator.
As the disposal process unfolds, it highlights the complexities involved in managing vaccine supplies and ensuring public health safety in the wake of the pandemic. The decision to destroy these doses reflects a commitment to maintaining health standards and preventing any potential misuse of expired vaccines.
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