Vaccination against pneumonia is to be offered free to over 65s in Bulgaria

GPs are ready to administer pneumococcal vaccine to all adults aged 65 years and over.

The pneumococcal vaccination will be offered free.

The doses are provided as part of the national programme for improving vaccination and the interest in the vaccines is high, a check by BNT - Plovdiv showed.

Since immunizations in the Bulgaria’s second largest city of Plovdiv were resumed after the anti-influenza measures were lifted those who want them have not stopped asking about the new vaccine. Interest in the free immunisation at Dr Levena Kireva's practice is high.

"They can apply for, sign up and have this vaccine administered to them once. The duration of protection is 3 to 5 years," she explains.

The goal of the national programme is to have 15% of the seniors vaccinated against pneumococcus by 2026.

"It's the most common causative agent actually of pneumonias at this age, which very often leads to more severe situations. So if we cover that risk as well, we'll really give our parents, grandparents a greater peace of mind especially in flu season," says Angel Kunchev, Chief State Health Inspector.

The administering of free-of-charge vaccines is just starting in Bulgaria, so anyone at the age of 65 and over can ask their GP about it.