Can I not vaccinate my children?
No, generally: for children there are mandatory vaccinations. Unlike other countries, in Italy the Lorenzin law (2017) provides 10 mandatory vaccinations for children and teens aged 0 to 16: polio, diphtheria, tetanus, hepatitis B, pertussis, Haemophilus influenzae type b, measles, rubella, mumps and varicella (given with two combined vaccines, the hexavalent and the quadrivalent MMRV). Consequences change with age: for children aged 0 to 6, the lack of vaccination prevents enrolment at nurseries and kindergartens. From compulsory school (primary onwards), attendance is guaranteed even without vaccination, but the local health authority starts a recovery process and administrative sanctions apply. Exempt are children already immunised by natural illness or with specific clinical contraindications.
📋 The rules
- 10 mandatory vaccinations aged 0 to 16 (Lorenzin law)
- 0-6 years: lack of vaccination prevents enrolment at nursery/kindergarten
- From compulsory school: attendance guaranteed but sanctions
- Administrative sanctions of €100 to €500 and health-authority recovery
- Exemptions for natural immunisation or contraindications
🔓 Exceptions
- Children already immunised following the natural illness
- Certified permanent or temporary clinical contraindications
- Some vaccines are 'recommended' (offered free but not mandatory)
⚠️ Penalties & fines
For children aged 0 to 6, failure to present the vaccination documentation entails refusal of enrolment or loss of enrolment at nurseries and kindergartens. For compulsory school, attendance can't be denied, but the health authority starts a recovery process and can apply administrative sanctions of €100 to €500 to non-compliant parents. Beyond the sanctions, vaccinations protect the child from serious diseases and contribute to herd immunity. For exemptions (natural immunisation, contraindications) the doctor's certificate is needed. In doubt, consult your paediatrician and the health authority's vaccination service.
📎 Official sources
- Ministry of Health · Vaccine law and the vaccination obligation →
- Normattiva · Law 119/2017 (vaccine prevention, Lorenzin decree) →
- Ministry of Education · Vaccination obligation and enrolments →
❓ Frequently asked
Which vaccines are mandatory for children?
There are 10, provided by the Lorenzin law for children aged 0 to 16: polio, diphtheria, tetanus, hepatitis B, pertussis, Haemophilus influenzae type b, measles, rubella, mumps and varicella. They're given with two combined vaccines, the hexavalent and the quadrivalent MMRV.
Can I enrol my child at nursery without vaccines?
For children aged 0 to 6, no: failure to present the vaccination documentation prevents enrolment, or causes loss of it, at nurseries and kindergartens. The rule is stricter precisely in the youngest age band.
What happens at school if my child isn't vaccinated?
From compulsory school (primary onwards) attendance is guaranteed even without vaccination, but the health authority starts a recovery process and can apply administrative sanctions of 100 to 500 euros to parents. School attendance is not denied.
Are there exemptions from the vaccination obligation?
Yes. Exempt are children already immunised following the natural illness and those with specific clinical contraindications, permanent or temporary, certified by the doctor. In these cases the vaccination isn't required, based on the health documentation.
What do I risk if I don't vaccinate my children?
For the youngest, refusal or loss of enrolment at nursery and kindergarten; for compulsory school, administrative sanctions of 100 to 500 euros and the recovery started by the health authority. Beyond the sanctions, vaccinations protect the child and the community from serious diseases.
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