Bulgaria increases influenza vaccine supply for upcoming season

Bulgaria is preparing for the upcoming influenza season with an increased supply of vaccines. Bogdan Kirilov, head of the Executive Agency for Medicines, stated that approximately 770,000 vaccines will be available this year, an increase of 200,000 compared to the previous season. The first shipments are expected to arrive around October 15.

Health experts, including infectious disease specialist Trifon Valkov and Professor Ivana Hristova of the National Center of Infectious and Parasitic Diseases, noted that the vaccine components have been updated to match the three main virus variants expected to circulate: two Type A variants (including A(H1N1) and A(H3N2)) and one Type B variant.

Free immunization is designated for children aged 6 months to 7 years, with potential extensions up to 17 years for those with certain comorbidities, as well as for individuals over the age of 65. While influenza has not yet been officially detected in circulation, there has been a gradual increase in registered cases of acute respiratory infections.