Ministry of Health proposes free flu vaccines for children

The Ministry of Health proposes the introduction of free immunization against seasonal influenza for children, a measure included in the draft National Program for Vaccine Prophylaxis for the period 2026–2030, published for public consultation

The Ministry reports that vaccines will be provided for children aged 6 months to 7 years inclusive, as well as for children with chronic diseases up to the age of 17. Immunization will be at the parents’ discretion and will be administered by general practitioners.

According to estimates, the total budget of the program for the five-year period will exceed €16 million. The expectation is that by expanding the scope of immunization, both individual protection for children and broader herd immunity will be achieved, limiting the spread of seasonal influenza.

The program will provide two types of vaccines: injectable and nasal. Injectable vaccines will be administered to children up to 2 years of age and those with chronic diseases, while for the 2 to 7 age group, there will be a choice between the two types, with the specific decision being made by a physician.

Data shows that influenza remains a leading cause of severe illness among children in Bulgaria. The share of hospitalizations for children up to 14 years of age increased from 22% in 2022 to over 36% in 2026, and during peak months, every second sick child has the flu. Concurrently, parents’ costs for sick leave to care for ill children have increased by 180% over the last three years.

With the new program, the state is expanding the scope of free influenza immunization, which has been provided to people aged 65 and over since 2019, now focusing on children as another key risk group.

The Ministry emphasizes that vaccination is the most effective and economically justified method for preventing influenza and its complications. To date, limited vaccine availability and the financial burden on parents have been among the main obstacles to wider application in children—barriers that the new program aims to overcome.

View the draft National Program for Vaccine Prophylaxis for children HERE.