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Child vaccination

Vaccinating children protects them from serious infectious diseases. We offer vaccines included in the national immunisation schedule as well as optional extra vaccines in a child-friendly and safe environment, taking into account each child’s individual needs.

Text reviewed by specialist:

Valeria Boitsova

Nurse

Published

Text updated

When to see a specialist

  • Vaccines in the national immunisation schedule: Rotavirus, pneumococcus, diphtheria, tetanus, whooping cough, polio, measles, mumps, rubella, chickenpox, HPV, and other vaccines included in the national schedule.
  • Additional vaccines for travel: Vaccines for Hepatitis A and B, cholera, yellow fever, typhoid, and meningococcal disease.
  • Tick-borne encephalitis vaccine: For active children who spend a lot of time outdoors and for families in tick-infested areas.
  • Flu vaccine: Annually for infants from 6 months of age, toddlers, and school-aged children.
  • Primary vaccination for infants and newborns: Starting from 2 months of age.
  • Checking vaccination schedules and catching up on missed vaccines.
  • Assessing and advising on vaccine reactions after vaccination.
  • Vaccination counselling: Answering questions about safety, side effects, and vaccination timing.
  • Assessing vaccinations received abroad and creating a plan for future vaccinations.
  • Planning vaccinations for a sick, allergic, or special-needs child together with a pediatrician.

When is vaccination important for children?

You should book an appointment with a vaccination nurse if your child needs a vaccination or if you notice any of the following:

  • Incomplete vaccination: The child has not received all age-appropriate vaccines or has missed a dose. It is always possible to get back on schedule.
  • Recurrent pneumonia or ear infections: Frequent respiratory or ear infections may indicate a weakened immune system, where pneumococcal or flu vaccines can provide important protection.
  • Planned travel abroad with a child: Before travelling to exotic destinations, you need to check if your child has all the necessary travel vaccines, including for Hepatitis A, cholera, and other region-specific diseases.
  • An infant’s first vaccination visit: The first vaccinations are usually given at 2 months of age.
  • Unknown vaccination history: If a child’s previous vaccination records are unknown, we will work with a pediatrician, family doctor, or GP to determine the necessary level of protection.
  • A reaction to a previous vaccine: If the child had a strong reaction to a previous vaccination (high fever, allergic reaction, prolonged crying), you should consult a doctor before the next one.
  • An allergic child or a child with a chronic illness: Vaccination is especially important for children with specific conditions (e.g., asthma, immunodeficiency, a neurological condition), but the vaccination plan is created individually by a pediatrician.
  • A tick bite: If a child has been bitten by a tick and is not vaccinated against tick-borne encephalitis, the vaccine and, if necessary, a doctor’s consultation are recommended.
  • Getting the flu repeatedly: Children who get severely ill with the flu every year should regularly receive the seasonal flu vaccine, which is also available for children as a painless nasal spray.
  • The child is not vaccinated against measles, mumps, or rubella: The MMR vaccine is especially important before starting school and when travelling.

How to prepare for your appointment

  • Bring the child’s ID card or another form of identification.
  • Write down the child’s previous vaccinations and any known allergies.
  • Think about any questions you would like to ask about the vaccination.
  • No special preparation (like fasting) is needed; the child can eat and drink as usual.
  • Dress the child in comfortable clothing that makes it easy to access the vaccination site (usually the upper arm or thigh).
  • For infants, it is recommended to breastfeed or bottle-feed them shortly before or after the vaccination, as this can help soothe them.
  • Bring the child’s favourite toy, doll, or pacifier – a familiar object can help them stay calm.
  • If your child has any known allergies, be sure to inform the medical staff.
  • If the child has recently been ill or currently has a fever, please contact us to reschedule the appointment.
  • Continue giving regular medications (e.g., for asthma) as usual, as they do not prevent vaccination. Inform the doctor of any medications the child is taking.

What to expect during your appointment

Registration and check-in

Register at the front desk upon arrival.

Health check and counselling

A nurse will ask about allergies and past illnesses and will provide information about the vaccine and possible side effects.

Vaccination

The vaccine is usually injected into the muscle of the upper arm.
You will receive information about the need for any further doses in the vaccination course. Information about the administered vaccines will be sent to the national e-Health Portal.

Specialists providing this service

  • Aleksandra Levitskaja

    Nurse

    Jalgpalli kliinik, Ülemiste Health Centre, Mobile occupational health examination

  • Aleksandra Skripka

    Nurse

    Jalgpalli kliinik, Ülemiste Health Centre

  • Alina Maspanova

    Nurse

    Kvartal Clinic – Specialist Medical Care and Occupational Health

  • Alisa Aleksejeva

    Nurse

    Ülemiste Health Centre, Mobile occupational health examination

  • Anastasia Grudkina

    Nurse

    Jalgpalli kliinik, Ülemiste Health Centre, Mobile occupational health examination

    Book appointment
  • dr Andreas Abel

    General practitioner

    Jalgpalli kliinik, Ülemiste Health Centre, Rävala Clinic – Specialist Medical Care and Occupational Health, Digikliinik

    Book appointment

Payment & Appointment Info

Prices

Tallinn

Special care
Service Price
Vaccination against tick-borne encephalitis for a child 40 €

Everywhere else in Estonia

Special care
Service Price
Vaccination against tick-borne encephalitis for a child 40 €
Payment methods

This service is not covered by Meliva Health Insurance. Check your personal coverage limits in the ERGO app.

Referral

You can book this service as a self-paying patient without a doctor’s referral.

Clinics offering this service

Related services

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a referral for my child’s vaccination?

No, a referral is not needed for vaccination. You can book an appointment yourself online or by phone.

Can my child receive multiple vaccines at once?

Yes, giving several vaccines at the same time is a safe and common practice. Many of the vaccines we use are combination vaccines (e.g., a 5-in-1 vaccine protects against five diseases at once), which reduces the number of injections.

What reactions can occur after vaccination?

Mild side effects are common and usually pass within 1–2 days. These include redness and soreness at the injection site, a mild fever, tiredness, irritability, and rarely, loose stools (especially with the rotavirus vaccine). Contact a doctor if a high fever, a severe reaction at the injection site, a severe allergic reaction, or persistent vomiting or diarrhoea occurs. When in doubt, it is always best to consult a doctor.

Can my child go to kindergarten or school on the day of vaccination?

Yes, in most cases, the child can continue their normal activities on the same day. If the child develops a fever or feels unwell after the vaccination, it is recommended they stay home for the day.

Are vaccines safe?

Yes, vaccines are clinically tested and undergo strict safety controls. International experience shows that vaccination is significantly safer than getting the disease. The safety of vaccines is also continuously monitored after they are released to the market.

Can a child who has come from abroad continue their vaccinations in Estonia?

Yes. A vaccination schedule started abroad can usually be continued in Estonia. We will review the child’s vaccination records and create a plan together. If the documents are missing, we will create an individual plan based on the child’s age.

Is a painless flu vaccine available for children?

Yes, for children over 2 years old, a flu vaccine in the form of a nasal spray is usually available, which is a painless alternative to an injection. The nasal spray is not suitable for all patients, such as those with immunodeficiency.

Can an allergic child be vaccinated?

For most allergic children, vaccination is completely possible. An allergy to egg protein is no longer a contraindication for most vaccines. If your child has a history of severe allergic reactions, consult a pediatrician beforehand to assess their suitability.

What are optional extra vaccines and are they necessary?

The national immunisation schedule covers the most dangerous diseases, but in certain situations, additional vaccines can be beneficial. For example, the tick-borne encephalitis vaccine protects active children who are outdoors often, and the Hepatitis A and B vaccines are recommended before long trips to tropical regions. We can discuss which additional vaccines are sensible for your family based on your needs.”

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