Must I have my child vaccinated?
Yes — in Slovakia it is a legal duty, not a recommendation. Compulsory vaccination is governed by Act 355/2007 on the protection, promotion and development of public health, and by its implementing decree, which sets the vaccination schedule. A legal guardian who fails to have a child vaccinated commits an offence. The fine is imposed by the regional public health authority and amounts to €331 in aggregate. "In aggregate" is the key phrase: even where a parent refuses several vaccinations, the maximum fine stays at €331 — it is not added up per vaccine. And beware a widespread myth: a missing vaccination is not a ground for refusing a child a place at nursery school.
📋 The rules
- Vaccination is a legal duty under Act 355/2007
- The schedule is set by an implementing decree
- Refusal is an offence
- The fine is €331 in aggregate — not cumulative
- It is imposed by the regional public health authority
🔓 Exceptions
- A medical contraindication confirmed by a doctor removes the duty
- A missing vaccination is not a ground for refusing a nursery place
- The nursery application includes a fitness certificate stating vaccination status
⚠️ Penalties & fines
The fine is one thing; the consequences for the child are another. Failing to vaccinate is an offence carrying a fine of €331 in aggregate, imposed by the regional public health authority — and that ceiling holds even where you refuse several vaccinations at once, because they are not added together. What the fine does not do: it does not bar the child from nursery. A missing vaccination is not a lawful ground for refusing a nursery place, although the application does include a certificate of fitness stating vaccination status. The only recognised exemption is a medical contraindication confirmed by a doctor — not a parent's personal conviction.
📎 Official sources
- Slov-Lex · Act 355/2007 →
- Public Health Authority of the Slovak Republic →
- Ministry of Health of the Slovak Republic →
❓ Frequently asked
Is vaccination compulsory in Slovakia?
Yes. It is a legal duty under Act 355/2007, not a recommendation. The specific schedule is laid down in an implementing decree and compliance is monitored by the public health authority.
What is the fine for refusing?
An offence carrying a fine of €331 in aggregate. The word "aggregate" matters — even if a parent refuses several vaccinations, the maximum stays at €331 and is not added up per vaccine.
Will nursery take an unvaccinated child?
A missing vaccination is not a lawful ground for refusing a child a nursery place. The application includes a certificate of fitness which states vaccination status, but that serves as information.
Is there an exemption?
Yes, a medical contraindication confirmed by a doctor. Where a child cannot be vaccinated on medical grounds the duty does not apply to them. A parent's personal conviction is not such an exemption.
Who imposes the fine?
The regional public health authority, which also keeps a record of refused vaccinations. The proceedings are conducted as offence proceedings, so the decision can be challenged by ordinary appeal.
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