Bulgaria considers allowing flu vaccine administration in pharmacies

Legislative efforts are underway in Bulgaria to allow pharmacies to administer flu vaccines, a move intended to simplify the immunization process. Dimitar Marinov, chairman of the Bulgarian Pharmaceutical Union, stated that a legislative text has already passed its first reading in the parliamentary healthcare committee. Currently, patients must obtain a prescription from a doctor, purchase the vaccine, and return to a physician for administration, which poses risks to vaccine stability due to temperature requirements during transport.

Regarding vaccine availability, Marinov noted that two companies import injectable flu vaccines for the country. While one company will not provide stock specifically for pharmacies, another is expected to deliver quantities between November 9 and 13. There are concerns regarding the distribution of the anticipated 70,000 doses once they arrive.

Additionally, the Bulgarian Pharmaceutical Union is advocating for the criminalization of the illegal production and sale of medicinal products online to combat unregulated markets. Epidemiologist Assoc. Prof. Dr. Angel Kunchev emphasized the importance of timely immunization during October, November, and December to protect vulnerable populations from severe complications.