HPV Vaccines in Bulgaria: Over 18,000 Doses Administered in 2025, Increase in Immunization Coverage

In 2025, 18,495 doses of HPV vaccines were administered in Bulgaria, of which 14,507 were for girls and 3,988 for boys. This was announced by the Minister of Health, Assoc. Prof. Mihail Okoliyski, at a press conference dedicated to the third anniversary of the establishment of the HPV Coalition.

Minister Okoliyski emphasized the Ministry of Health's support for the vaccination process, including an information campaign. The National HPV Prevention Program covers girls aged 10 to 17 and boys aged 10 to 13. The Minister urged parents to vaccinate their children.

Despite the increase, vaccination coverage in Bulgaria remains low compared to other countries. Dr. Gergana Nikolova and Prof. Radka Argirova from the HPV Coalition highlighted the role of general practitioners in combating parents' fears. Assoc. Prof. Dr. Yordanka Uzunova pointed out the difficulties faced by pediatricians and urged parents to trust the specialists.

The HPV Coalition points out that high-risk HPV types are the cause of over 85% of cases of cervical cancer, anal carcinoma, and oropharyngeal carcinoma.