In Poland, there has been a continual decline in public trust toward vaccinations, a trend that has raised concerns among health professionals. Recent actions by the Ministry of Health—specifically the introduction of a newborn screening test for severe combined immunodeficiency (SCID)—have sparked discussions about potential impacts on vaccination rates. The concern is articulated by Dr. Tomasz Dzieciątkowski, who warns that these developments could exacerbate the already fragile trust in vaccination programs.

Starting in Autumn 2025, Poland will implement mandatory screening for SCID in newborns, a critical measure given that approximately 4-6 children are born with this condition each year. Early diagnosis of SCID is vital, as untreated cases can lead to death within the first two years of life. However, this new screening poses complications for the routine vaccination process against tuberculosis, which is mandatory for newborns to receive before leaving the hospital—typically on the fourth day post-birth. The issue arises since SCID is a contraindication for the tuberculosis vaccine, yet the screening results are not available until days or weeks later, often after the child has already been discharged.

This situation creates a potential gap in the vaccination schedule for newborns at risk for SCID, raising ethical and public health questions. The health ministry's challenge lies in balancing the immediate need for tuberculosis vaccinations against the longer-term strategy of identifying and managing SCID without undermining public confidence in vaccination efforts. As the policy unfolds, it will be crucial to monitor its impacts on both disease prevention and public trust in health initiatives in Poland.