186
Preparation for the new school year in many European countries includes compulsory vaccination of children. Ukrainian families who found refuge in Poland must also comply with these requirements. How to ensure the necessary vaccinations for your children in Poland?
Vaccination is mandatory for all children and youth up to 19 years of age, regardless of their citizenship. Children who arrived in Poland after the start of full-scale hostilities are integrated into the health care system and are entitled to free vaccinations according to the Polish immunization calendar. It is worth noting that this calendar differs from the Ukrainian one.
For example, in Ukraine, vaccination against rubella is carried out at the age of 12 months, while in Poland - at 13-15 months.
For a detailed review of Poland's immunization calendar, you can use the relevant link on the official website. It is important to know that without the proper vaccinations, your child may not be accepted to kindergarten, school or camp.
How to vaccinate a child in Poland?
- Check the vaccination calendar: Understand which vaccinations have not yet been given according to the Polish immunization calendar.
- Prepare the documents: You will need the child's passport, PESEL number and vaccination records made in Ukraine.
- Find a medical facility: Select the nearest health care facility that cooperates with the National Health Fund (NFZ). A list of such institutions can be found at the link.
- Sign up for vaccinations: Come to the chosen health care facility, where the doctor will conduct a medical examination before vaccination.
If you or your child has been in contact with the tetanus or rabies viruses, you should be vaccinated and see a doctor immediately. These vaccines are not part of the standard immunization schedule.
If you do not have documentary evidence of vaccinations, they can be restored with the help of your family doctor or the hospital where the child received vaccinations in Ukraine. They may send you an electronic document or a copy of the paper document. If it is not possible to get confirmation, it will be considered that the vaccination was not carried out and it will have to be started again according to the Polish calendar.
Ukrainian children must undergo compulsory vaccination against the following diseases:
- tuberculosis
- hepatitis B
- rotavirus
- diphtheria
- tetanus
- whooping cough
- poliomyelitis
- pneumococcus
- hemophilus type B infection
- measles
- mumps
- rubella
- varicella
Influenza, meningococcal and HPV (human papilloma virus) vaccines are also available, but are optional and may incur a fee.
You can learn more about vaccination and disease prevention on the websites gov.pl/ru and nfz.gov.pl. For additional information, call the hotline at 800 190 590.
