They have been registered since the beginning of the year over 500 cases of whooping cough, at 4 for the same period in 2023. This clearly shows an epidemic spread of the disease, the acting health minister said at a briefing.
For this reason, the Ministry of Health takes the following actions:
- Update of the immunization calendar, allowing the main scheduled immunization to start from week 6 for babies;
- The opportunity will be provided all pregnant women between 27 and 36 years of age, who wish, regardless of whether they have health insurance, to be immunized against pertussis free of charge.
For this purpose, an organization will be created in the Regional Health Inspections to carry out the immunizations.
The pertussis vaccine will be able to be administered earlier to babies
At the moment, the most registered cases are those under the age of 1 year
According to the state health inspector Assoc. Angel Kunchev, this measure will best solve the problem with the most risky group – newborns. They will acquire antibodies through their mothers.
Over 80% of those who cause the disease are unimmunized, it became clear from his words. And about 90% of all the sick are children.
However, immunization for pregnant women will only be possible after the Easter holidays, and the community will be informed in due course.
A recommendation for mass immunization is unlikely to be appropriate, commented Prof. Kunchev. He called on every pregnant woman to consult with an obstetrician and gynecologist first.
There will be immunization offices in every regional center. Depending on demand and need, mobile centers will eventually be opened in other cities.
Angel Kunchev: We are at the beginning of a national epidemic of whooping cough
At the moment, about 400 cases have been identified
