Children Without Vaccines Could Be Barred from Schools and Kindergartens Under New Government Proposal

Mandatory Childhood Vaccination Bill Introduced

According to Главком: On June 1, 2026, the Ukrainian government submitted draft law No. 15286 to the Verkhovna Rada, which would prevent unvaccinated children from attending schools, kindergartens, and health facilities. Titled 'On Protecting the Population from Infectious Diseases,' this proposal aims to replace the existing 2000 law and align regulations with the 2022 'Public Health System' law. This legislative push reflects a broader effort to modernize Ukraine's approach to disease prevention.

Key Provisions of the Draft Law

Under the proposal, the Ministry of Health (MOH) would gain authority to:

• identify vaccine-preventable infectious diseases;
• establish a list of mandatory vaccinations;
• approve the national vaccination schedule.

All vaccination records and documented refusals would be entered into the electronic health system. The document also formally defines adverse events following immunization and sets protocols for managing complications.

Age-specific mandatory vaccinations, rabies prevention, and epidemic-indicated immunizations would be provided free of charge, funded by state and local budgets. A child can only be enrolled in an educational or health institution if they present a medical certificate confirming their vaccinations. The only exception for admission without vaccines is if there are medical contraindications. In such cases, a medical advisory committee will decide on admission based on favorable epidemic conditions.

If a parent refuses vaccination without a medical reason, a healthcare worker must document the refusal in writing or create an official report. Educational staff are required to continuously monitor children's health, isolate sick individuals, and notify medical facilities. The Cabinet of Ministers must update subordinate regulations before the law takes effect. Within six months of adoption, the government must prepare amendments to the Criminal Code and the Code of Administrative Offenses.

The relevant parliamentary committee, led by Mykhailo Radutskyi, will review this draft law. Since early 2026, Ukraine has also updated its free vaccination schedule to include the human papillomavirus vaccine for girls aged 12-13.

Passing this bill could significantly reshape Ukraine's healthcare system by tightening oversight of childhood vaccinations and access to educational institutions.

The introduction of an electronic vaccination registry will streamline monitoring, potentially boosting national immunization rates. Given recent updates to the vaccination calendar, this proposal underscores a growing focus on preventing infectious diseases among younger populations.

The recent proposal to restrict unvaccinated children from educational institutions highlights the government's commitment to public health. To better understand how these changes will impact vaccination efforts, you can explore the updated free vaccination schedule in Ukraine, which aims to ensure broader access and compliance among parents and guardians.