Influenza vaccines are recommended for children, because upon first encounter with the virus, a more severe course is possible, the specialist believes
The peak of influenza and respiratory diseases is expected around January, so it is good to know that influenza vaccines are recommended for children, especially up to the age of five, because upon first encounter with the virus, a more severe course is possible. This was said by the director of the National Center for Infectious and Parasitic Diseases, Prof. Iva Hristova, on the air of the Lunchtime Information Block of NOVA NEWS.
Hristova also pointed out that almost every year there is data on patients who wish to get vaccinated. The preparation will be delivered in stages, with the quantities expected to be replenished by the end of October.
“This year, a delivery of 580 thousand doses of flu vaccines is planned, which is about 100 thousand units more than the previous year, with some of these vaccines also planned under the national flu prevention program. It is important that we manage to cover sensitive groups - children and people over 65 years of age, as they are at risk of complications and severe course”, said Hristova. She also explained that the issue of whether it is possible to vaccinate children for free, with the costs being covered by the Health Insurance Fund, is being discussed.
According to the specialist, the fear of the so-called “live” vaccines is not justified, since their composition does not pose a risk to patients.
“They are designed to build immunity without developing an infection in a person's body. Such are nasal vaccines for children, which are also preferred because they avoid pain during administration and are more easily tolerated by the body”, said Prof. Iva Hristova.