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3 clusters · 9 sources · 8 days · First seen · Last updated

Bulgaria influenza vaccination program

Overview

Bulgaria is preparing for the 2026–2027 influenza season by implementing a National Seasonal Influenza Vaccination Program. As part of this initiative, the government will provide the Fluenz nasal spray as a free option for children under 17 years of age. The program, which includes injectable vaccines Vaxigrip and Influvac, is scheduled to run from October 1, 2026, through March 31, 2027.

Specific details regarding the upcoming launch indicate the program will target all children aged 6 months to 7 years, as well as children up to 17 years old with chronic medical conditions. For children over the age of 2, physicians will determine whether to use injectable or nasal vaccines. 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 are advised to register their children with general practitioners by October 1.

Dr. Nikolay Kolev of the Bulgarian Medical Union noted that while current figures are statistical targets, the program intends to ensure access for all children requesting the vaccine. To prevent domestic scarcity, the Ministry of Health has indicated it may discuss restricting vaccine exports if shortages are identified. Medical experts have identified three primary influenza strains expected to circulate this winter, including a mutated A(H3N2) variant. While vaccines have been adapted for these changes, specialists emphasize that multi-strain vaccines are essential because immunity from one strain does not provide equivalent protection against others.

Entities

Ministry of Health · Association of Patients Active in Healthcare · National Health Insurance Fund · Bulgarian Medical Union

Timeline

  1. 4 days ago

    [HEALTH] 3 sources
    Bulgaria to launch free influenza vaccination program for children

    Bulgaria will launch a free influenza vaccination program for children starting in October, targeting those aged 6 months to 7 years and children up to 17 with chronic conditions.

  2. 4 days ago

    [HEALTH] 2 sources
    Bulgarian specialist predicts three influenza strains for upcoming winter

    Specialist Trifon Valkov warns of three expected flu strains this winter, noting that 2026/2027 vaccines are adapted to these variants, including A(H3N2). Free vaccines are available for children and seniors.

  3. 11 days ago

    [HEALTH] 5 sources
    Bulgaria to provide free nasal flu vaccine for children

    Bulgaria will offer the Fluenz nasal spray for free to children under 17 during the 2026–2027 flu season, alongside two injectable vaccines, with the Ministry monitoring stocks to prevent shortages.

Sources

actualno.com · clinica.bg · plovdivnow.bg · ruse.news · securityadvisor.com · standartnews.com · vesti.bg · viaranews.com · zdrave.net

This summary has been updated 1 time: see revision history