Wider Access to HPV Vaccine: Over 780 Specialists Join the Initiative

More than 780 pediatricians and obstetrician-gynecologists have already signed contracts with the National Health Insurance Fund (NHIF) and will participate in the administration of the HPV vaccine under the new National Program for Primary Prevention of Cancers Caused by Human Papillomavirus (HPV) 2025–2030, the Ministry of Health announced.

They will work alongside general practitioners across the country to facilitate access to the vaccine and expand the program’s reach.

The list of participating specialists is published on the specialized immunization website “Plus Me,” organized by region and including the address and name of each medical practice. It will be updated periodically to assist parents wishing to vaccinate their children.

Since the program’s launch on July 14, over 1,200 girls and boys have already received the vaccine. The highest number of immunizations has been recorded in Sofia, Plovdiv, Varna, and Stara Zagora.

In 2024, the following groups are eligible for free HPV vaccination:

• Girls aged 10 to 14 (under 15 years old)
• Boys aged 10 to 13 (under 14 years old)

The program will expand gradually until 2030, with both the age groups and the coverage of those eligible for immunization increasing each year. The initial target is 10% coverage, and by the end of the period, vaccination is projected to reach:

• 70% of girls
• 40% of boys

Key stages of the expansion:

• 2026 – Inclusion of girls aged 15–17
• 2029 – Expansion to boys up to age 15 and young women aged 18–21

The goal of the program is the long-term reduction of the incidence of HPV-related oncological diseases through early and effective prevention.