The Ministry of Health is taking an important step in the fight against infectious diseases. The department has prepared a draft regulation providing for the inclusion of the varicella vaccine in the mandatory immunization calendar. The news was announced by Dr. Kremena Parmakova, head of the "Supervision of Infectious Diseases" Department at the Ministry of Health. This happened during a seminar focused on "Vaccination programs for the prevention of acute infectious diseases caused by influenza viruses, RSV, COVID-19, pneumococci and prevention of virus-related cancers".
Dr. Parmakova stressed that the regulation is expected to be published for public discussion as soon as possible. She explained that varicella is one of the most contagious diseases, which can affect anyone. The doctor noted a worrying trend – an increase in morbidity among children in kindergartens. According to the data cited by Dr. Parmakova, every second case of infectious disease registered in the country is related to varicella. Annually, in Bulgaria, about 40 thousand people fall ill with this disease. Dr. Parmakova added that the virus remains in the human body and those who have had the disease are carriers of herpes zoster, which highlights the importance of prevention.
Vaccination against varicella, if the regulation is adopted, will be carried out in two key age groups. The first dose will be administered to children aged between 12 and 15 months, and the second – when they turn four years old.
The Chief State Health Inspector, Assoc. Prof. Angel Kunchev, pointed out that the introduction of mandatory and free vaccination against varicella, together with the provision of free vaccination against respiratory syncytial virus for pregnant women, will require significant financial resources. According to him, the amount needed to implement these measures is between two and five million leva.