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Bulgaria faces flu vaccine shortages and legislative shifts

Updated 20 times since CLSTR started tracking revisions of this situation.

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2026-10-21 11:32 UTC → 2026-10-22 11:34 UTC · added ~~removed~~

Bulgaria has entered the influenza season following the isolation of the A(H3N2) virus in Sofia. Experts, including Assoc. Prof. Trifon Valkov, have identified three primary strains expected to circulate: two Type A variants and one Type B variant. While the A(H3N2) variant has shown significant mutation, vaccines for the 2026/2027 season have been adapted to address these changes. To manage the season, Bulgaria launched a free immunization program in October targeting children aged 6 months to 7 years, children up to 17 with chronic conditions, and adults over 65. However, significant shortages persist. The Bulgarian Pharmaceutical Union and the Ministry of Health confirmed that manufacturer supply issues have made one of the two approved injectable vaccines unavailable in pharmacies, forcing doctors to decide “who receives a vaccine and who is refused due to insufficient supplies.” In response to logistical challenges, legislative efforts are underway to allow pharmacies to administer vaccines. Dimitar Marinov, chairman of the Bulgarian Pharmaceutical Union, noted that a legislative text has passed its first reading in the parliamentary healthcare committee. This move aims to prevent risks to vaccine stability caused by the current requirement for patients to transport vaccines between doctors and pharmacies. Regarding supply, ~~Marinov indicated that while one importer will not provide stock~~ the first 150,000 doses have arrived, including Efluelda for ~~pharmacies, another is~~ those aged 75 and older and Vaxigrip for children and seniors. An additional 300,000 doses of Vaxigrip are expected ~~to deliver quantities~~ between November 9 and 13, though concerns remain regarding the distribution of those 70,000 doses. Epidemiologist Angel Kunchev emphasized that vaccination is the only specific tool to prevent severe complications like pneumonia, particularly for the elderly. He recommended immunization during October, November, and December, noting that the body requires approximately 20 days 13. Despite these shipments, some citizens have sought nasal vaccines or other preparations from neighboring Greece, Romania, or Serbia due to ~~build immunity.~~ local shortages or uncertainty.

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