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COVID-19

Bulgaria Sees Promising Signs of Recovery in Childhood Immunization Rates

Strategic Insights

— 2 min read

Bulgaria is on the right track towards recovering from the pandemic-induced dip in childhood immunization rates, with new data from the World Health Organization (WHO) and UNICEF highlighting the country's upward trend in vaccination coverage. According to 2024 estimates, Bulgaria boasts some of the highest vaccination rates in the WHO European Region, particularly in the coverage for the six-in-one vaccine and the combined measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine. Despite progress, challenges remain, and UNICEF Bulgaria emphasizes the importance of access to accurate information in supporting parents' decisions to prioritize their children's health.

Key Takeaways:

  • Bulgaria's vaccination coverage for the six-in-one vaccine protecting against diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis, hepatitis B, Haemophilus influenzae type B (Hib), and polio is particularly strong, with high rates of uptake.
  • The combined measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine also shows high coverage, but coverage for the third dose of the six-in-one vaccine and the second dose of MMR remains below the 95% threshold needed to ensure herd immunity.
  • Globally, 89% of infants received at least one dose of the diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis (DTP) vaccine in 2024, and 85% received the full three-dose series.
  • The Bulgarian Ministry of Health launched a national HPV vaccination programme on July 14, offering free immunization for girls aged 10 to under 15 and boys aged 10 to under 14.
  • Nearly 150 children received the HPV vaccine in the first 24 hours of the programme.
  • Coverage rates for newborns in Bulgaria have improved, with 96.7% for tuberculosis and 97.6% for hepatitis B, and have also shown significant progress for infants in their first year.
  • MMR vaccination coverage is rising, with 94.2% of 13-month-olds receiving the first dose and 90.5% of 12-year-olds receiving the second dose.

Statistics:

  • 89% of infants globally received at least one dose of the diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis (DTP) vaccine in 2024.
  • 85% of infants globally received the full three-dose series of the DTP vaccine in 2024.
  • 171,000 more children received at least one dose of the DTP vaccine in 2024 compared to 2023.
  • 1 million more children received the full three-dose series of the DTP vaccine in 2024 compared to 2023.
  • In the first 24 hours of the national HPV vaccination programme, nearly 150 children received the vaccine.

Sources:

  • World Health Organization (WHO) and UNICEF (jointly released data)
  • UNICEF Bulgaria (press release)
  • Bulgarian Ministry of Health (press release)
  • World Health Organization (WHO) (global vaccination data)

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