Bulgaria is set to significantly enhance its public health initiatives by making the chickenpox (varicella) vaccine a mandatory and free offering for all children aged one to four, starting in 2026. This move aims to curb the spread of the highly contagious disease and prevent potentially severe complications, marking a substantial shift in the nation’s vaccination strategy.
Key Takeaways
- The Bulgarian government will provide free chickenpox vaccines for children aged one to four, starting in 2026.
- Previously, the vaccine was recommended but not covered by the state, leading to low vaccination rates due to its cost.
- The initiative is expected to reduce hospitalizations, complications, and severe cases of chickenpox.
- The vaccine is highly effective, with up to 98% efficacy after two doses.
Expansion of Immunization Program
The Bulgarian government has announced a major expansion of its mandatory vaccination schedule, with the varicella (chickenpox) vaccine to be included and fully sponsored by the state for children between one and four years old, commencing in 2026. Until this decision, the varicella vaccine was merely recommended by health authorities, and parents were responsible for the approximately €80 cost for the two required doses. This financial barrier, coupled with a lack of extensive public information campaigns, resulted in a negligible number of children receiving the vaccine in Bulgaria.
Health Minister Sylvi Kirilov stated, "There will be new vaccines introduced in 2026. One of the new mandatory vaccines will be for varicella. This is a serious step forward in prevention." He also indicated that further additions to the national immunization schedule are being considered.
Understanding Chickenpox and Its Impact
Chickenpox, caused by the varicella-zoster virus, is a common childhood illness characterized by a rash, fever, and general discomfort. While typically mild, it can lead to serious complications such as pneumonia, secondary bacterial infections, and encephalitis, particularly in individuals with weakened immune systems. The vaccine administered in Bulgaria has demonstrated up to 98% effectiveness after two doses. Despite recommendations from epidemiologists and immunologists over the past five years, previous governments had not incorporated it into the mandatory schedule. The vaccine was also difficult to obtain in Bulgarian pharmacies until recently, forcing many parents to source it from neighboring countries.
Beyond health concerns, chickenpox causes significant disruption to early education. Children exposed to the virus are often quarantined for nearly three weeks, leading to prolonged absences from school and potential long-term health issues for immunocompromised children who may suffer recurrent infections.
Policy Shift and Future Outlook
This policy change represents a notable shift, particularly given that the Ministry of Health is now led by a party that previously expressed skepticism towards certain public health restrictions. The ministry has also recently expanded HPV vaccination to include boys and funded antibiotic treatments for young children, though the latter measure drew criticism from pediatricians who suggested prioritizing other health interventions. The inclusion of the chickenpox vaccine aligns with proposals from general practitioners who highlighted its significant impact on children’s health. Experts like Prof. Iva Hristova, director of the National Center for Infectious and Parasitic Diseases, emphasize that widespread vaccine availability through state support is crucial for protecting children and mitigating long-term health risks, noting that countries with similar vaccination programs have seen marked reductions in severe cases and hospitalizations.
