150,000 flu vaccine doses have arrived in Bulgaria

The first 150,000 doses of injectable seasonal influenza vaccines for the national programmes covering children and older adults have arrived in Bulgaria, the Ministry of Health announced on October 22. Following manufacturing delays earlier in the autumn, the ministry expects distribution to begin next week.

Of the doses received, 50,000 are Efluelda for people aged 75 and over. A further 84,000 doses of Vaxigrip are intended for people aged 65 and over, while 16,000 Vaxigrip doses are for the children's programme.

According to the Health Ministry, a further 300,000 contracted doses of Vaxigrip for the two national programmes have yet to arrive. Delivery is expected between 9 and 13 November 2026. This is an estimated timeframe, rather than confirmation that the doses have already been received.

The announcement describes the current stage of vaccine supply. It does not mean that all doses are already available in every town or village. The ministry also reiterated the importance of seasonal influenza vaccination as a preventive measure during autumn and winter.

Sources: Ministry of Health, October 22, 2026; Ministry of Health, information about earlier delivery delays.

Illustrative photograph of a medical syringe: Diana Polekhina / Unsplash (Unsplash License). It does not show the influenza vaccine shipments delivered to Bulgaria.