Bulgaria will impose mandatory vaccination against chickenpox from July 2026, with free vaccines for children born after January 1, 2025.

Bulgaria will implement mandatory vaccination against chickenpox starting in July 2026, according to an ordinance published in the 'Official Monitor'. The vaccine will be administered free of charge to children born after January 1, 2025, according to a two-dose schedule: the first dose between 12 and 15 months, and the second at the age of four. This measure comes in response to the high health risks associated with chickenpox, which can include severe complications in children and hematological problems in adults.

In addition, the new regulation will introduce immunization against respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) for pregnant women, which will also be free. From January 2026, England, Wales, and Northern Ireland will implement a similar free vaccination scheme for children. Until now, parents in the UK have borne significant costs for vaccination, and chickenpox has caused considerable economic losses. In Romania, vaccines remain only recommended, without being mandatory.