I will be direct: in Roma communities across Europe, vaccination rates are lower than the national average, and this is not because Roma parents do not care about their children — it is because the healthcare system has failed to reach them with respect, access, and information. Misinformation also spreads through social media. I have held children in hospital with measles who should never have been there. Every unvaccinated child is a child the system has failed.
Birth to 6 weeks: BCG (tuberculosis) and Hepatitis B. These are given in the hospital before discharge. If your baby was born at home, take them to the health center within the first week of life for these vaccines. Do not wait
2, 3, 4 months: the 'big three' rounds — DTP (diphtheria, tetanus, whooping cough), Polio, Hib, and Hepatitis B. These are the most critical vaccines of infancy. Each round strengthens the immunity. Missing one weakens the entire chain
12–15 months: MMR (measles, mumps, rubella). I cannot stress this enough. Measles is not a harmless childhood illness — it kills, it causes brain damage, and it blinds. In 2019, I saw a measles outbreak in a Roma settlement because coverage had dropped below 80%. It was preventable
Vaccines are free at government health centers in every European country. You do not need insurance, you do not need a residence permit, you do not need an appointment in most centers. If you are refused service, this is illegal — contact your health mediator or the patient rights office
The gap between Roma and non-Roma vaccination rates in some European countries exceeds 15 percentage points. This gap is not caused by Roma beliefs about vaccines — surveys consistently show Roma parents want their children vaccinated. The gap is caused by access barriers, discrimination in healthcare, and lack of outreach. Closing this gap is a state obligation under Article 11 of the European Social Charter.
Find your child's vaccination card. If any vaccines are missing, or if you do not have a card, visit your nearest health center this week. If you face barriers — language, documents, refusal — contact your local health mediator. That is exactly what we are here for.