Free protection against a risk virus starts for Bulgarian children

16.07.2025 | Health and fitness

The Ministry of Health is introducing a large-scale national vaccination program against HPV, covering girls and boys between 10 and 15 years old, aimed at preventing oncological diseases.

Снимка от SELF Magazine, Wikimedia Commons, под CC BY 2.0

A large-scale health initiative goes into effect from July 15, aimed at comprehensive prevention of viral infections among the younger generation. The National Health Insurance Fund launches a program for free immunization against human papillomavirus (HPV), which covers children aged between 10 and 15 years.

The vaccination campaign provides for a two-dose immunization regimen - an initial dose and a follow-up dose after 6-12 months. Medical professionals included in the program include general practitioners, pediatricians, and obstetrician-gynecologists who will perform the immunizations.

The strategic goal of the initiative is to reduce the risks of HPV infections, which are responsible for approximately 5% of oncological diseases. The prevention spectrum covers serious health problems related to cervical, anal, penile, and throat cancer.

The National Strategy for HPV Control until 2030 provides for large-scale coverage of between 20,000 and 30,000 children in the first year of the program. Experts predict significant long-term benefits - both for individual health and for the economic efficiency of the healthcare system.