A Revolutionary Change in Bulgarian Immunization!

In a groundbreaking move set to reshape public health in Bulgaria, the government has announced an ambitious expansion of its mandatory vaccination program beginning in 2026. Children aged one to four will receive free varicella (chickenpox) vaccines—an essential step toward enhancing child health across the nation.

From Optional to Essential: The Shift in Vaccination Policy

Previously relegated to mere recommendations, the varicella vaccine has not seen wide acceptance due to its cost—approximately €80 for two doses—and a lack of effective public health campaigns. As a result, the number of vaccinated children in Bulgaria, the European Union’s poorest member state, has remained alarmingly low.

Health Minister Sylvi Kirilov emphasized the importance of this initiative, stating, "This is a serious step forward in prevention. With new vaccines on the horizon, we are determined to enhance our immunization schedule."

Understanding Varicella: A Common Threat to Children

Varicella, caused by the varicella-zoster virus, typically manifests as a rash accompanied by fever and malaise. While most children experience mild symptoms, complications can arise, particularly in vulnerable populations such as the elderly or those with weakened immune systems. These complications may include pneumonia, bacterial infections, and, in severe cases, encephalitis.

The varicella vaccine used in Bulgaria boasts an impressive efficacy rate of up to 98% after completing two doses. However, despite its availability, the vaccine was largely inaccessible until recently—a situation that forced parents to seek it out in neighboring countries like Greece.

Education Disrupted: The Wider Impact of Varicella

The impact of varicella extends beyond health issues, causing significant interruptions in preschool education. Children aged 4 to 6 who come into contact with infected peers face quarantines lasting nearly three weeks. This frequently disrupts educational continuity and leaves children with weakened immunity susceptible to recurrent infections.

A Governmental Policy U-Turn

The new coalition government, led by GERB (EPP) and backed by the populist party There Is Such a People (ITN), is charting a new course. While ITN gained notoriety for its reluctance to impose restrictions on the unvaccinated during the Covid pandemic, it now appears to be embracing a proactive approach to vaccination.

Minister Kirilov’s newfound commitment to expanding vaccination coverage includes the recent introduction of free HPV vaccinations for both girls and boys. Additionally, the government has controversially subsidized antibiotic treatments for all children up to seven years, although this move has drawn criticism for not addressing more pressing health issues, such as mandatory varicella vaccination.

General practitioners have strongly advocated for the introduction of a compulsory varicella vaccine, recognizing its significant potential to bolster the health of young children. With this latest initiative, Bulgaria aims to transform its public health landscape for the better.