Am I legally required to vaccinate my child?
Yes, vaccinating children against certain infectious diseases is a legal obligation in Slovenia, not a recommendation. The Infectious Diseases Act (ZNB) makes vaccination compulsory against nine diseases: Haemophilus influenzae b, diphtheria, tetanus, whooping cough, polio, measles, mumps, rubella and hepatitis B. The Constitutional Court has already upheld the duty as a permissible measure for public health. The most stubborn myth is that parents face a fine of up to 4,000 euros – that is false: the penalty clause of Article 57 of the ZNB sets a fine of 41.73 to 417.29 euros for anyone who evades compulsory vaccination. A second myth is that you can refuse »on personal conviction« – an exemption is possible only on medical grounds (for example an allergy to a vaccine component or a serious adverse effect of a previous dose), decided by a special commission at the ministry, not by parents. Vaccination follows the programme published each year by the NIJZ, usually at your child's chosen doctor. Some vaccinations (such as against tick-borne encephalitis or influenza) are recommended, not compulsory.
📋 The rules
- Vaccination is compulsory against nine diseases: Haemophilus influenzae b, diphtheria, tetanus, whooping cough, polio, measles, mumps, rubella and hepatitis B (ZNB).
- An exemption is allowed only on medical grounds; a special commission at the Ministry of Health, not the parents, decides on a permanent or temporary exemption.
- Personal, religious or philosophical conviction is not a lawful reason to refuse compulsory vaccination.
- Evading compulsory vaccination carries a fine of 41.73 to 417.29 euros under Article 57 of the ZNB, not the several-thousand figure circulating online.
- Vaccination follows the annual programme published by the NIJZ, usually at the child's chosen doctor (paediatrician).
🔓 Exceptions
- A permanent exemption is possible for a proven allergy to a vaccine component or a serious adverse effect after a previous dose of the same vaccine.
- A temporary exemption applies during an acute illness or a health condition temporarily incompatible with vaccination; once the reason ends, vaccination continues.
- Some vaccinations (tick-borne encephalitis, influenza, HPV, covid-19) are recommended, not compulsory, and the penalty clause for compulsory vaccination does not apply to them.
⚠️ Penalties & fines
The process does not start with a fine but with a warning: if a child is not vaccinated, the doctor or the NIJZ reports it to the Health Inspectorate, which first calls on the parents to put things in order. Only if the parents keep evading vaccination does a misdemeanour procedure follow, with a fine under Article 57 of the ZNB of 41.73 to 417.29 euros. The fine may be imposed separately for each missed compulsory vaccination and repeated if the evasion continues, so over time it adds up to a larger amount. The fine does not replace the obligation – that remains until the reason for exemption is medically justified and confirmed. Consequences go beyond money: an unvaccinated child may be refused a place in a public kindergarten, since enrolment is conditional on proof of vaccination (except with a medical exemption). In practice, imposing fines is slowed by lengthy bureaucratic procedures, but the legal duty and the basis for a fine exist the whole time.
📎 Official sources
- PISRS · Infectious Diseases Act (ZNB) →
- NIJZ · compulsory vaccination and annual programme →
- GOV.SI · vaccination and the Health Inspectorate →
❓ Frequently asked
Which vaccinations are compulsory in Slovenia?
Vaccination is compulsory against nine diseases: Haemophilus influenzae b, diphtheria, tetanus, whooping cough, polio, measles, mumps, rubella and hepatitis B. Other vaccinations, such as against tick-borne encephalitis, influenza or HPV, are recommended but not legally required.
What is the fine if I do not vaccinate my child?
Evading compulsory vaccination carries a fine of 41.73 to 417.29 euros under Article 57 of the Infectious Diseases Act, not the several-thousand figure that often circulates online. The inspectorate may impose the fine separately for each missed compulsory vaccination and repeat it if the evasion continues.
Can I refuse vaccination on personal conviction?
No, personal, religious or philosophical conviction is not a valid legal reason to refuse compulsory vaccination. An exemption is possible only on medical grounds, decided by a special commission at the Ministry of Health rather than by the parents themselves.
Who decides on a medical exemption from vaccination?
A special vaccination commission at the Ministry of Health decides on a permanent or temporary exemption on the basis of medical documentation. A valid reason is, for example, a proven allergy to a vaccine component or a serious adverse effect after a previous dose of the same vaccine.
Can an unvaccinated child be refused kindergarten?
Yes, enrolment in a public kindergarten is generally conditional on proof of completed compulsory vaccination, except where there is a medical exemption. An unvaccinated child without a medical exemption can therefore be refused until vaccination is arranged.
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