Is childhood vaccination compulsory in Malta for a child to start school?
No, not all childhood vaccination is compulsory by law in Malta. Under the Prevention of Disease Ordinance (Cap. 36), only three vaccines are legally compulsory for children: against polio, diphtheria and tetanus, given together in a single injection as part of the national schedule. The rest of the National Immunisation Schedule — such as the MMR against measles, mumps and rubella — is strongly recommended and given free of charge, but is not imposed with the same legal obligation. The myth: that "no vaccine is compulsory" or, the opposite, that "everything is mandatory" — both are wrong. In practice schools ask for the vaccination card on application and expect children to follow the schedule, but the COVID-19 vaccine is not compulsory, and the law itself imposes only those three vaccines.
📋 The rules
- Under the Prevention of Disease Ordinance (Cap. 36), vaccination against polio, diphtheria and tetanus is compulsory by law.
- These three vaccines are given together in a single injection as part of the National Immunisation Schedule, in a course of several doses.
- The rest of the schedule — such as MMR against measles, mumps and rubella — is recommended and free, but not compulsory by law.
- All scheduled vaccines are given free of charge by the National Immunisation Service at health centres.
- Schools ask for the vaccination card on application, and the Superintendent of Public Health may act in the event of a public-health threat.
🔓 Exceptions
- A child with a genuine medical contraindication (for example reduced immunity) may be exempted on a doctor's advice.
- The COVID-19 vaccine is not part of the obligation and was never made compulsory for children in Malta.
- Vaccines outside the compulsory list (such as MMR) remain the parents' choice, though recommended by public health.
⚠️ Penalties & fines
Failing to vaccinate your child against polio, diphtheria and tetanus goes against the obligation in Cap. 36, and the Superintendent of Public Health has broad powers to address public-health risks, especially during an outbreak. The heavier weight is often not a fine but health: diseases like polio and diphtheria can leave permanent disability or death, and an unvaccinated child is both exposed and able to spread infection. In practice, when schools ask for the vaccination card, a parent who does not follow the schedule may face questions, delays in admission, or referral to the school health service. Beyond that, international travel to certain countries requires proof of vaccination, and gaps can disrupt study or residence abroad. The biggest cost, though, remains the clinical risk the child carries.
📎 Official sources
- Legislation Malta · Prevention of Disease Ordinance (Cap. 36) →
- Primary Health Care · Immunisation and the National Vaccination Schedule →
- Superintendence of Public Health · health legislation →
❓ Frequently asked
Which vaccines are actually compulsory in Malta?
By law, under the Prevention of Disease Ordinance (Cap. 36), only vaccination against polio, diphtheria and tetanus is compulsory, and these are given together in the same injection. The other vaccines on the national schedule, such as MMR, are strongly recommended and free, but not imposed with the same legal obligation.
Can I enrol my child in school if they are not vaccinated?
Schools usually ask for the vaccination card on application and expect children to be vaccinated according to the national schedule. However, the law itself imposes only the three core vaccines, and we could not find a published rule that clearly bars an unvaccinated child from state school, so it is best to speak directly to the school health service.
Is the MMR vaccine compulsory?
No — MMR (against measles, mumps and rubella) is strongly recommended and given free of charge, but it is not among the three vaccines the law makes compulsory. Even so, health authorities strongly encourage children to have it, because measles spreads fast and can cause serious complications.
Has COVID-19 been added to compulsory childhood vaccines?
No, the COVID-19 vaccine was never made compulsory for children in Malta and remains voluntary. It was offered to certain age groups on a recommendation basis, and no parent can be forced to have their child vaccinated against it.
How much do childhood vaccines on the schedule cost?
All vaccines on the National Immunisation Schedule are given free of charge through the National Immunisation Service at public health centres. You do not have to pay for polio, diphtheria, tetanus or MMR, although private vaccines outside the schedule (for example for travel) may carry a charge.
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