I have accompanied Roma mothers to health centers where they were turned away because they lacked documents, could not speak the language, or were simply told to come back later. Vaccines are your children's legal right — free, safe, and the most powerful protection a parent can give. No one can deny you this.
Every country in Europe provides a free vaccination schedule from birth. This is not charity — it is your child's legal entitlement. If a health worker refuses, ask for their supervisor and state this clearly
The vaccination card is the most important document your child has after their birth certificate. Keep it safe, carry it to every doctor visit. If lost, any health center must issue a replacement — do not accept refusal
Mild fever, a sore spot on the arm, fussiness for a day — this is normal and means the vaccine is working. I have reassured hundreds of worried mothers about this. It passes in 24–48 hours
You do not need an appointment at most public health centers for vaccinations. Walk in. If a Roma health mediator works in your area, ask them to accompany you — this is what we are trained for
In one settlement I worked in, measles hit because vaccination coverage had dropped to 60%. Three children were hospitalized. After a community vaccination campaign, we reached 94% — and the outbreaks stopped. Across Europe, vaccines prevent 2–3 million deaths every year.
Take out your child's vaccination card right now. Check it against the schedule on the wall of your health center. If any vaccine is missing or you have no card, visit the health center this week. Bring this app to show the schedule if it helps.