Over the past year, Bulgaria has strengthened its national immunization strategy with a focus on maternal and child health. Two new, free (non-mandatory) maternal vaccines were introduced: a Tdap booster (since 2025) for pregnant women between 27 and 36 gestational weeks and an RSV vaccine (from 2026) administered between 24 and 36 gestational weeks. Both are provided regardless of health insurance status, supported by dedicated immunization points established nationwide.
The childhood vaccination schedule was expanded to include mandatory, free varicella vaccination, delivered in two doses at 12–15 months and at 4 years of age, effective July 2026.
Under the 2026–2030 programme, the influenza vaccination policy has also been broadened. Providing free (non-mandatory) vaccines, it targets adults over 65 years of age, and eligibility now includes children aged 6 months to 7 years, and young people up to 17 years old with chronic conditions. Vaccines may be administered either as an injectable or as intranasal.
The rotavirus vaccination programme has also been renewed for a third consecutive cycle (2026–2030). This programme provides free, recommended (non-mandatory) rotavirus vaccination for infants from 6 weeks of age. The new iteration aims to increase national coverage from 49% to 65% by 2030, supported by public awareness campaigns.