Mandatory or recommended vaccination

Each EU/EEA country implements its own immunisation programme. Most EU/EEA countries offer vaccination on a recommended basis. In 12 EU/EEA countries, vaccinating children against some diseases is mandatory, although different vaccines are required as mandatory in those countries.

EU/EEA countries have achieved high vaccination coverage rates through mandatory and non-mandatory vaccination.

Each EU/EEA country decides if vaccination is mandatory or voluntary in its territory. National governments take account of factors such as their health systems, legal systems and cultural norms. 

Information on which countries have mandatory vaccination can be found in the Vaccine Scheduler.