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.
Vaccination schedules in the EU/EEA
EU countries offer national immunisation programmes and vaccination schedules to protect their populations.
Catch-up vaccination and boosters
Learn more about catch-up vaccination and boosters, given in the case of missed doses or waning immunity.
When to avoid vaccination
Information on when vaccination is not recommended, including in the case of allergies, immune system disorders, medical treatments, and pregnancy.