The immunization rate in the country has increased this year, but it is not enough, as it should reach over 90 percent. According to the data of the health authorities, the second dose of the MRP vaccine in 2021 amounted to 80,4 percent, and in 2022 a small growth is recorded and reaches over 89 percent coverage at the national level. Interest in the HPV vaccine, which is given to children up to 12 years of age, has also increased this year.
Doctors indicate that the awareness of children's vaccination among their parents is still low.
"Although we have improved national coverage of routine childhood vaccines, I would like to emphasize that the recommended threshold for collective immunity set by the mandatory immunization program of 95% at the national level and 90% at the local level has not yet been reached," says Dr. Maja Manoleva, Deputy Minister of Health.
The pandemic has had the biggest effect of slowing down immunization, but campaigns, door-to-door and education follow.
"Door-to-door vaccination has been organized on-site, by deploying mobile vaccination teams throughout the country, while at the same time distributing informational materials on vaccination, developed on the basis of evidence-based medicine. These efforts will continue until all those eligible for vaccination are fully protected," added Manoleva.
Doctors urge not to delay vaccination, because old diseases that have been eradicated can reappear and their children would be at serious risk.
