Bulgaria to launch free influenza vaccination program for children

A free influenza vaccination program for children is set to launch in Bulgaria at the beginning of October. The program targets all children aged 6 months to 7 years, as well as children up to 17 years old with chronic medical conditions.

Two types of vaccines will be provided: injectable and nasal. For children over the age of 2, the choice between these types will be determined by a physician. The current scope of the program aims to cover 17% of children under 7 years old and up to 10,000 patients with chronic illnesses under the age of 17.

Parents interested in the program are advised to register their children with their general practitioners by October 1. Medical professionals, including Dr. Nikolay Kolev of the Bulgarian Medical Union, have indicated that while the current figures are statistical targets, the program aims to ensure that all children requesting the vaccine have access to it.