The Czech Vaccination Calendar: An Essential Guide for Expat Parents in Prague

Swiss Medical Services
Dec 30, 2025
3 min read

Moving your family to a new country involves endless paperwork, but few things cause as much anxiety for parents as navigating a new healthcare system for their children.

If you are raising kids in Prague, you have likely heard conflicting information about vaccinations. Is the schedule different from the UK or US? Which shots are legally mandatory for school entry? What are the Czech names for these vaccines?

At Swiss Medical Services in Prague 1, our English-speaking pediatric team helps hundreds of international families transition their vaccination records seamlessly. We ensure your child remains compliant with Czech law while respecting your home country’s guidelines whenever possible.

Here is a simplified guide to understanding the Czech vaccination schedule ("Očkovací kalendář").

Mandatory vs. Recommended: The Legal Distinction

In the Czech Republic, vaccinations fall into two distinct categories:

1. Mandatory (Povinné) These are required by law. Crucially, for your child to be accepted into a state kindergarten (mateřská škola) or join certain school trips/camps, they must be fully vaccinated according to this schedule (unless there is a medical contraindication).

2. Recommended (Doporučené) These are optional but highly advised by pediatricians. They are often partially covered by public health insurance (VZP etc.) if administered within certain age windows.

The Core Mandatory Schedule (Simplified)

The Czech schedule relies heavily on combination vaccines to minimize the number of injections a child receives.

The "Hexavaccine" (e.g., Hexacima)

This 6-in-1 shot is the cornerstone of early childhood protection. It covers: Diphtheria, Tetanus, Pertussis (whooping cough), Hepatitis B, Polio, and Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib).

Schedule: It is typically given in a 3-dose schedule (e.g., at ages 2 months, 4 months, and a booster around 11-13 months).

The MMR Vaccine (e.g., Priorix)

This covers Measles, Mumps, and Rubella ( spalničky, příušnice, zarděnky).

Schedule: The first dose is given between 13 and 18 months of age. The second dose is usually given between the ages of 5 and 6 years.

Common Confusions for Expats

If you are coming from Western Europe or North America, you might notice some key differences:

Chickenpox (Varicella): In the US, this is often mandatory. In Czechia, it is currently optional (recommended). Many expat parents choose to add this privately.
Meningitis B (Bexsero): This is optional but highly recommended here. It is often covered by Czech insurance if started before age 1.
Tuberculosis (BCG): Routine TB vaccination for newborns ended in Czechia in 2010. It is now only given to high-risk infants.
Rotavirus: This oral vaccine for infants is optional here.

How We Help International Families

Navigating this at a public clinic with a language barrier is stressful. Our private pediatric service offers a smoother path:

Record Translation & Alignment: We review your child's existing vaccination record from your home country and create a personalized plan to align it with Czech requirements without unnecessary double-dosing.
English Consultations: Our pediatrician takes the time to explain exactly what each vaccine is, discuss side effects, and answer questions about optional vaccines in fluent English.
Stress-Free Environment: We provide a calm, modern environment with sufficient time allocated so your child doesn't feel rushed or anxious.

Ensure your child is protected and paperwork-ready for school in Prague.