Steps for Childhood Immunization: A Foreigner’s Experience in Slovakia

LovinSK

04 Sep 2025 — 4 min read

Steps for Childhood Immunization

When we moved to Slovakia, one of the first responsibilities I had as a parent was making sure my child’s vaccinations were up to date. I quickly discovered that the steps for childhood immunization here are slightly different from what I was used to back home. The schedule, the system, and even the paperwork required a bit of adjustment.

If you’re a parent living abroad, figuring out the vaccination process can feel daunting. In this post, I’ll share how childhood immunization works in Slovakia, the practical steps involved, and tips I learned along the way.

Why Immunization Matters

Vaccines are not just about following regulations — they protect children from serious diseases and ensure public health. In Slovakia, immunizations are taken seriously. Some are mandatory by law, while others are recommended but optional.

As a foreign parent, I quickly realized that staying on track with the local immunization schedule is also linked to paperwork like school enrollment and residency requirements. Missing a step could mean unnecessary stress later on.

The Childhood Immunization System in Slovakia

Slovakia follows a national immunization schedule set by the Ministry of Health. The system includes:

Mandatory vaccinations – such as measles, mumps, rubella (MMR), diphtheria, tetanus, and polio.
Recommended vaccines – like rotavirus, meningococcus, or HPV, which parents can choose to add.
General practitioners for children (pediatri) – Every child must be registered with a pediatrician, who keeps track of vaccinations and health checks.

In our case, registering with a pediatrician was the very first step before any immunization could happen.

Vaccination Schedule in Slovakia (2025 Version)

Steps for Childhood Immunization in Slovakia

Here’s how the process typically works, based on my experience:

1. Register with a Pediatrician

As soon as you arrive in Slovakia (or after your baby is born here), you need to choose a pediatrician. Each district has several, and some speak English. Your pediatrician becomes your main contact for vaccines and check-ups.

We asked local parents for recommendations and finally found a pediatrician in Bratislava who was comfortable communicating in English. That was a huge relief.

2. Review Your Child’s Vaccination Record

If you moved from abroad, bring your child’s vaccination booklet or medical records. The pediatrician will compare it with the Slovak schedule and decide which shots are due.

I learned that Slovakia sometimes uses different vaccine brands or combines certain shots differently than in my home country. The doctor explained these differences carefully, so I knew what to expect.

3. Follow the National Schedule

The Slovak schedule is quite structured:

Infants receive multiple vaccines at 2, 4, and 6 months.
Booster shots come later, often before school entry.
Some vaccines, like MMR, are mandatory before kindergarten.

Our pediatrician provided a printed schedule with upcoming dates. It helped me stay organized.

4. Attend the Appointments

On the day of vaccination, the nurse usually checks the child’s weight, height, and overall health. The pediatrician then confirms it’s safe to vaccinate.

One thing I appreciated: parents are encouraged to stay in the room during the shot. Afterward, you wait 15–20 minutes in case of any reactions.

5. Keep Documentation Updated

Every vaccine is recorded in the child’s Slovak health booklet (zdravotná knižka). This small paper book is important — schools, kindergartens, and sometimes immigration offices may request it as proof.

At first, I underestimated how vital this booklet was. But later, when enrolling my child in preschool, it was the first thing they asked for.

Costs and Insurance Coverage

One of the biggest concerns for foreign parents is cost. Here’s the good news:

Mandatory vaccines are FREE under Slovakia’s public health insurance system.
Optional vaccines may require payment, unless your insurance covers them.

For example, we decided to get the rotavirus vaccine, which wasn’t mandatory but recommended. It wasn’t fully covered, so we paid around €60. Still, it was worth the peace of mind.

Language and Communication Barriers

Not every pediatrician speaks English, especially outside Bratislava. That can make discussing medical terms and vaccine schedules challenging.

A few strategies that helped me:

Use Google Translate for medical vocabulary before appointments.
Bring a Slovak-speaking friend or spouse if possible.
Ask for written information, which you can translate later at home.

After a few visits, I picked up key words like očkovanie (vaccination) and povinné (mandatory), which made conversations easier.

Tips for Foreign Parents

If you’re navigating childhood immunization in Slovakia, here are some lessons I learned:

Start early – Don’t wait until school enrollment deadlines to sort out vaccines.
Keep all records together – Carry your child’s international vaccination booklet and the Slovak health booklet.
Ask about side effects – Doctors here will explain what to expect, but don’t hesitate to ask for details.
Use reminders – Mark vaccine dates in your calendar to avoid delays.
Know your rights – Vaccines are mandatory for children in Slovakia, but you can ask for second opinions if you’re unsure about timing.

My Experience as a Foreigner

The first time I went through the process, I felt overwhelmed. I wasn’t sure which vaccines were mandatory, how the system worked, or even where to start. But once we registered with a good pediatrician, everything fell into place.

What stood out to me was how organized the Slovak system is. The pediatrician kept track of appointments and gently reminded us when a shot was due. Despite the language gap, the experience felt professional and supportive.

Now, every time I flip through my child’s health booklet and see the vaccination stamps, I feel a little sense of relief. It’s proof that we’re on track and doing our best to keep our child healthy in our new home.