Starting This Autumn: Free Flu Vaccines for Children up to 7 Years Old

The Ministry of Health is launching a National Program for the Vaccination Prophylaxis of Seasonal Influenza in Children for the period 2026–2030, which for the first time provides for free immunization for the youngest, the ministry reports.

The goal is to reduce morbidity, complications, and mortality from seasonal influenza in childhood by expanding vaccination coverage, as well as to increase awareness of the risks of the disease.

Children from 6 months to 7 years of age inclusive, as well as children with chronic diseases from 6 months to 17 years of age, will be eligible for free immunization.

The program aims to achieve an immunization coverage of 17% annually among children up to 7 years of age and to cover 10,000 children with chronic diseases.

Data shows that in Bulgaria, the incidence of influenza is highest among children – in the age groups from 0 to 4 years and from 5 to 14 years. During the last winter season, almost every second influenza-related examination involved a child under the age of 15.

The share of hospitalizations among children is also increasing, with more than one-third of all hospital admissions with a diagnosis of influenza during the last season being children. This indicates both the serious risk of complications and the significant burden on the healthcare system and families.

According to international studies, influenza vaccination reduces the risk of hospitalization in children by over 50%, and the risk of severe illness by up to 63%.

In addition to the health consequences, influenza also leads to significant economic losses. According to data from the Institute for Market Economics, the costs of a single influenza wave can reach approximately 145 million euros, the majority of which are related to parents’ absences from work and the care of sick children. At the same time, the costs of a vaccination program are significantly lower, making it an economically effective measure.

Practice in the European Union shows that vaccination against seasonal influenza in children is widely recommended, and in many countries, it is provided free of charge as part of national prevention policies.

Seasonal influenza remains one of the most contagious infections, spreading rapidly, especially among children, who are a primary factor in its transmission within families and the community.