KidsMap Team
29. January, 2026
A Practical Guide for Parents: Vaccines in the Czech Republic
Vaccination is one of the topics parents ask about most often — and at the same time, one of the most confusing. Which vaccines are mandatory, which are recommended, which are free, and which need to be paid for? This guide explains how childhood vaccination works in the Czech Republic.
In the Czech Republic, childhood vaccines are divided into two main groups:
✅ Mandatory Vaccines – Required by Law
Children receive these vaccines through their pediatrician. Mandatory vaccines protect children against serious and potentially life-threatening diseases. These vaccines are part of the Czech Republic’s vaccination schedule, and their administration is covered by health insurance.
💉 Recommended Vaccines – Not Required by Law
Recommended vaccines are not mandatory, but pediatricians often suggest them because they protect against common or dangerous diseases. In some cases, recommended vaccines may be covered by health insurance for certain ages (for example, pneumococcal and meningococcal vaccines). However, they are usually paid for directly, with the possibility of partial reimbursement through a request to the health insurance provider.
| Vaccine | Mandatory / Recommended | Doses | Insurance Coverage | Age / Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hexavalent (Hexavakcína) | ✅ Mandatory | 3 + booster | Yes | 2, 4, 11–13 months; booster 5–6 years |
| MMR | ✅ Mandatory | 2 | Yes | 13–18 months; 5–6 years |
| BCG | ✅ Mandatory for at-risk groups | 1 | Yes | Only for risk groups |
| Pneumococcal | 💉 Recommended | 3–4 | Yes / partial | Ideally within first year of life |
| Rotavirus | 💉 Recommended | 2–3 | No / partial | Up to 24 weeks |
| Meningococcal B | 💉 Recommended | 2–3 | Yes / partial | Ideally within first year of life, then 14–16 years |
| Meningococcal ACWY | 💉 Recommended | 1–2 | Yes / partial | Ideally before 2 years, then 14–16 years |
| HPV | 💉 Recommended | 2–3 | Yes / partial | Usually 11–15 years |
| Influenza | 💉 Recommended | 1–2 yearly | No / partial | Recommended for at-risk groups |
| Tick-borne Encephalitis | 💉 Recommended | 3 + booster | No / partial | Recommended from 1 year of age |
| Hepatitis A | 💉 Recommended | 2 | No / partial | Recommended from 1 year of age |
| Chickenpox (Varicella) | 💉 Recommended | 2 | No / partial | Recommended from 1 year of age |
✅ Mandatory Vaccines
💉 Where Are Vaccinations Given?
After Vaccination
What Parents Should Do
✔ Register your child with a pediatrician on time
✔ Keep your child’s vaccination record in a safe place
✔ Learn about recommended vaccines and consult your pediatrician
✔ Check possibilities for coverage through health insurance
✔ Don’t hesitate to ask questions — it’s about your child’s health
Childhood vaccination is an important tool for preventing serious illnesses, and its planning should be done in consultation with a pediatrician.
This guide was created in co-authorship with Associate Professor Jan David and the Private Pediatric and Nutrition Clinic Dr. David, s.r.o., which, among other things, provides vaccinations for children and adolescents. More information can be found at https://drdavid.cz/.
