site.btaHealth Minister Proposes All Vaccinations to Be Included in Patients’ Electronic Records

Health Minister Silvi Kirilov has proposed that all mandatory, recommended, and targeted vaccinations be recorded in patients’ electronic health records, according to a draft amendment to Ordinance No. 15 of 2005. The draft was published on the Ministry of Health’s website on April 18, with the public comments and suggestions period open until May 19.

The aim of the proposed change is to simplify access to immunization data through the National Health Information System (NHIS). By automating vaccination tracking, health authorities will no longer need to submit quarterly reports to regional health inspectorates (RHI). Instead, the system will generate reports on coverage rates across regions and the country.

The draft also introduces a new electronic management system for the distribution, ordering, and tracking of vaccines and serums, streamlining supply from the Ministry of Health to RHIs and medical institutions. Each healthcare facility will receive detailed reports on received and remaining vaccine supplies, adjusted based on actual usage.

To operate efficiently, the system requires each facility to submit an annual plan outlining the maximum number of biological products it can request. These estimates will be verified and confirmed electronically, eliminating the need for paper-based records.

Doctors will also be expected to discuss vaccine refusals with patients, aiming to reassure them about vaccine safety and benefits.