Child and teen vaccinations

It is for anyone considering, planning or carrying out a move to Spain with a child or teenager. By the end, you will know which vaccines your child needs at each age, how to catch up, and how to show the record when a school or clinic asks for it.

Start with "Spain's childhood vaccine schedule by age". It lets you match your child's age to the Spanish calendar and see what is due. From there, move to "Catching up on vaccines your child had abroad" if your child has had shots in another country.

The other pages cover the following:

• Finding your region's vaccine calendar and booking shots
• Your child's vaccination record (cartilla de vacunación) and proof
• Teen vaccines in Spain: HPV, meningococcal and boosters

Adult vaccines, pregnancy vaccines and prescription copayments are not covered here.

Key rules

• Proof of doses: Only a written record showing the vaccine and the date of each dose counts, so doses with no record are treated as not given.
• Voluntary vaccines: Childhood vaccination in Spain is voluntary, not legally mandatory, and there is no fine for refusing.
• Rotavirus window: The first rotavirus dose must be given by 12 weeks of age, so ask at the first visit.
• Live vaccine gap: Live injectable vaccines not given on the same day must be at least 4 weeks apart.
• Travel vaccine lead time: Visit an international vaccination centre at least 4 to 6 weeks before departure.
• Status: The national calendar is recommended and free, not compulsory.

Child and teen vaccinations: the whole process, step by step

From birth to the teen years

• Ask about rotavirus and RSV protection at the first visit (see Which child vaccines are free and which you pay for): At the first visit; the first rotavirus dose must be given by 12 weeks of age

• First round of baby vaccines (see Spain's childhood vaccine schedule by age): At 2 months: hepatitis B, diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis, polio, Haemophilus influenzae b, pneumococcal and meningococcal B

• Second round of baby vaccines: At 4 months, with a meningococcal C dose added

• RSV protection for your baby (see Which child vaccines are free and which you pay for): In the baby's first RSV season, October to March; babies born in the prior spring or summer who are under 6 months at the start of the season are also offered it

• Booster round and first measles-mumps-rubella dose: At 11 to 12 months, including meningococcal B and MenACWY at 12 months

• First chickenpox (varicella) dose: At 15 months

• Seasonal flu vaccine, where your region funds it (see Finding your region's vaccine calendar and booking shots): Each autumn from 6 months; the recommendation covers ages 6 to 59 months and regions set the funded groups

• Second measles-mumps-rubella and chickenpox doses: At 3 to 4 years

• Diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis and polio booster: At 6 years

• HPV, tetanus-diphtheria and MenACWY (see Teen vaccines in Spain: HPV, meningococcal and boosters): At 12 to 14 years

• Catch up on missed teen doses: For MenACWY, up to 18 years old; HPV and upper age limits are set by your region, so ask your regional health service

• Bring records for doses given abroad (see Catching up on vaccines your child had abroad and Your child's vaccination record (cartilla de vacunación) and proof): Before your first appointment, so missing doses can be planned

Documents you may need

• A copy of your child's vaccination record — Your child's vaccination record (cartilla de vacunación) and proof
• A written vaccination record from a health provider — Catching up on vaccines your child had abroad
• An official vaccination certificate — Your child's vaccination record (cartilla de vacunación) and proof

Child and teen vaccinations: questions that cross several articles

Is the chickenpox vaccine free for all children in Spain?

Yes, chickenpox (varicella) vaccine is funded for all children in the common calendar, with 2 doses at 15 months and at 3 to 4 years. Children aged 12 who are unvaccinated and have not had the disease are caught up with 2 doses. Read Spain's childhood vaccine schedule by age, then Finding your region's vaccine calendar and booking shots.

Is the meningococcal B vaccine free for my baby?

Yes, meningococcal B is in the national calendar at 2, 4 and 12 months for babies born from 2024 onward, but regions roll it out in stages with different start dates. Outside the funded group, you buy it in a pharmacy with a prescription. Read Which child vaccines are free and which you pay for, then Finding your region's vaccine calendar and booking shots.

Does my child get free flu vaccination?

It depends on your region, but the national recommendation covers children aged 6 to 59 months. Several regions fund the nasal vaccine for ages 2 to 5, and children with risk conditions are funded everywhere from 6 months.

Does my baby get RSV protection in Spain?

Yes, RSV protection with nirsevimab has been offered free in all regions to babies born during the season, October to March, and to those born in the prior spring and summer who are under 6 months at the season start. Regions set the dates and the product each season.

Which doses come after age 3?

After age 3 there are second measles-mumps-rubella and chickenpox doses at 3 to 4 years, a diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis and polio booster at 6 years, then HPV, tetanus-diphtheria and MenACWY at 12 to 14 years. Regions set exact ages. Read Spain's childhood vaccine schedule by age, then Teen vaccines in Spain: HPV, meningococcal and boosters.