Influenza vaccination for children highlighted by medical experts

Medical experts are highlighting the importance of influenza vaccination for children to prevent severe illness and limit virus transmission within families and society. Epidemiologist Hristiana Batselova noted that the current free vaccination program in Bulgaria covers approximately 17% of children, including those with chronic illnesses, though she suggested this coverage is insufficient to prevent an epidemic.

There are two primary types of vaccines available for children: injectable and nasal. The injectable vaccine uses viral particles to stimulate the immune system and is trivalent this year, containing two Group A strains and one Group B strain. The nasal vaccine uses a live attenuated (weakened) virus administered as drops to stimulate a local immune response in the nasal mucosa. Both vaccine types have been updated to align with World Health Organization recommendations regarding current circulating strains.