Net.hrIndependentCenter2 hr. agoThe Croatian Institute of Public Health (HZJZ) is considering stopping routine BCG vaccinations for newborns due to four reported serious adverse effects linked to the vaccine. The decision comes after a temporary halt in the use of a Bulgarian-produced vaccine, Bul Bio NCIPD Ltd., following reports of severe side effects such as bone or spinal infections in children vaccinated in 2024 and early 2025. All four cases confirmed the presence of the BCG bacteria originating from the vaccine. The HZJZ is awaiting an evaluation from the Bulgarian agency and opinions from medical societies before making a final decision. Previously, similar discussions were held but rejected by medical experts. Croatia has a low tuberculosis incidence rate, around seven cases per 100,000 people, which may allow shifting from universal vaccination to targeted immunization for high-risk groups.
Bias read (Center): The article presents factual information about a potential change in public health policy regarding BCG vaccinations. It includes quotes from officials, mentions ongoing evaluations, and provides context about the current situation without overtly favoring any particular stance. The framing remains
Capak: We are considering stopping the routine vaccination of babies against tuberculosisThe Croatian Institute of Public Health (HZJZ) is considering halting routine BCG vaccinations for newborns due to four reported serious adverse effects involving bone or spinal infections in children vaccinated in 2024 and early 2025. The temporary suspension of vaccine use follows concerns over a Bulgarian manufacturer’s product, Bul Bio NCIPD Ltd. All four cases confirmed the presence of the BCG bacteria, which originated from the vaccine. HZJZ is awaiting an evaluation from the Bulgarian agency and opinions from medical societies before deciding whether to continue the vaccination program. Currently, BCG vaccinations are paused nationwide due to the lack of an alternative vaccine supply.
Bias read (Center): The article presents factual information about a health policy decision being considered by the Croatian Institute of Public Health. It includes quotes from officials, mentions the scientific findings, and outlines the current status of the situation without overtly favoring any side. The framing is
Four children had serious side effects after the BCG vaccine. Capak: We are considering stopping routine vaccinationThe Croatian Institute of Public Health (HZJZ) is considering halting routine BCG vaccinations for newborns due to four reported serious adverse reactions involving bone or spinal infections in children vaccinated between 2024 and early 2025. These incidents occurred after the temporary suspension of the vaccine produced by Bulgarian manufacturer Bul Bio NCIPD Ltd. The institute has confirmed that the bacteria responsible originated from the vaccine itself. Officials are awaiting evaluation results from the Bulgarian agency and expert opinions from medical societies before making a decision. Previously, similar discussions were held but rejected due to opposition from professional groups. Croatia currently reports around seven tuberculosis cases per 100,000 people, which is low enough to consider shifting from universal vaccination to targeted immunization for high-risk groups. Routine BCG vaccinations are currently paused nationwide due to the lack of an alternative product.
Bias read (Center): The article presents factual information about the health authority's consideration of halting a vaccination program based on reported adverse effects. It includes quotes from officials, mentions ongoing evaluations, and provides context about current disease rates and previous decisions. There is a
Will the compulsory vaccination of babies against tuberculosis continue? The head of the HZJZ is here.The head of the Croatian Health Service (HZJZ), Krunoslav Capak, has indicated that there are considerations regarding the potential abolition of mandatory tuberculosis vaccination for infants. This decision comes amid ongoing debates over public health policies and vaccine mandates in Croatia. The proposal could have significant implications for public health strategies against tuberculosis, which remains a concern in certain regions. However, no definitive decision has been made yet, and further discussions are expected.
Bias read (Center): The article presents a balanced overview of the situation, citing the head of the HZJZ and noting the potential policy change without overtly favoring any side. It does not include strong endorsements or biased language, focusing instead on the statement itself and the possible implications.
Capak after side effects with tuberculosis vaccine: We are considering stopping routine vaccinationThe Croatian Institute of Public Health (HZJZ) is considering stopping routine BCG vaccinations for newborns due to four reported serious adverse effects linked to the vaccine. The temporary suspension of the vaccine, produced by a Bulgarian manufacturer, follows reports of bone or spinal infections in children vaccinated in 2024 and early 2025. All four cases confirmed the presence of the BCG bacteria originating from the vaccine. The HZJZ is awaiting an evaluation from the Bulgarian agency and opinions from medical societies before deciding whether to continue the vaccination program. Previously, medical societies opposed ending the routine vaccination, but current discussions focus on whether epidemiological conditions justify shifting from universal vaccination to targeted immunization for high-risk groups. Routine BCG vaccinations are currently paused nationwide due to the suspension of the vaccine and lack of alternative products.
Bias read (Center): The article presents factual information about the potential change in vaccination policy based on medical evaluations and expert consultations. It does not exhibit clear bias toward any political stance, focusing instead on health concerns and procedural considerations.
Capak: Consideration of stopping routine vaccination of children against tuberculosisThe Croatian Institute of Public Health (HZJZ) is considering stopping routine BCG vaccinations for newborns due to concerns over serious side effects linked to the vaccine. This decision comes after four reported cases of severe adverse reactions, including bone or spinal infections, among children vaccinated in 2024 and early 2025. The institute is awaiting evaluation results from Bulgarian regulatory authorities and opinions from medical associations before making a final decision. Currently, BCG vaccinations are paused nationwide while investigations continue. The HZJZ has previously discussed the possibility of ending routine vaccination but was opposed by medical societies at the time. Croatia has a low tuberculosis incidence rate, which may support shifting from universal vaccination to targeted immunization for high-risk groups.
Bias read (Center): The article presents factual information about a potential change in public health policy regarding BCG vaccinations. It includes quotes from officials, mentions ongoing evaluations, and outlines both the risks and the current low tuberculosis incidence rate. There is no evident ideological framing,
Capak: We are considering stopping routine vaccination of children against tuberculosisThe Croatian Institute for Public Health (HZJZ) is considering stopping routine BCG vaccinations for newborns due to concerns over serious side effects linked to a Bulgarian-produced vaccine. Four cases of severe adverse reactions, including bone or spinal infections, were reported in children vaccinated in 2024 and early 2025. The institute is awaiting evaluation from the Bulgarian regulatory agency and opinions from medical societies before making a decision. Croatia has recorded approximately seven tuberculosis cases per 100,000 residents, a low rate that may justify shifting from universal vaccination to targeted immunization for high-risk groups. Routine BCG vaccinations have been paused temporarily due to the suspension of the Bulgarian vaccine and lack of alternative supply.
Bias read (Center): The article presents factual information about a health policy consideration by the Croatian Institute for Public Health, citing official statements and data without apparent ideological framing. It includes balanced perspectives, mentions both the potential risks of the vaccine and the current low率
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