Health Minister: We have enough pertussis vaccines for babies and young children

314 cases of pertussis (whooping cough) have been registered in the country since the beginning of the year. This was reported to the Health Committee in Parliament by caretaker Minister of Health, Dr. Galya Kondeva, on April 23.

The largest number of cases was in Sofia - 214. There are registered cases in 17 other districts of the country.

Whooping cough cases in Sofia on the rise

Dr. Kondeva assured that there are enough vaccines for children from 2 months to 2 years old in the Ministry of Health's warehouse. According to her, the immunisation coverage in the country is over 90%.

According to her, there is currently no need to change the routine immunisation schedule to introduce earlier immunisation for infants. The measure could come into force if a pertussis epidemic is declared.

Over 750 doses of vaccines are available in pharmacies.

The Ministry of Health is waiting for the expert panel to issue an opinion on pertussis vaccination of pregnant women.