Vaccinations in Italia

If you happen to be raising a family in Italy, then one of the most common questions or concerns you may have are vaccinations for your baby. They are quite similar to the U.S. You will have them at 2 months, then 4 months, then 11 months, etc. However, the one difference is that these vaccinations are mandatory and administered by the City Hall. If you do not get these vaccinations done for your baby, the carabinieri (police) will come to your house. Crazy right? In America, many parents are now deciding to do alternate vaccination schedules and delaying certain vaccinations with all the controversy that has been going on about side effects, autism, etc. Although these alternate vaccination schedules are controversial in itself, Americans do have the right to discuss it with their pediatricians. Not in Italy....

As for the experience I had in bringing my baby.... we had to take him to the City Hall where there is a room that the nurse goes to administer the vaccinations. One morning in the week is dedicated to giving babies vaccinations. Monday from 10:30 t0 12:30. It is unorganized and simply disappointing. I get there to be surrounded by about 15 other parents and babies waiting as well. We are stuck in this small hallway and outdoors where it was cold and rainy. Once it was our turn, we went in, to what seemed like a jury. A table with 4 women sat there and I was asked to be seated. They took my baby's medical records to fill out and asked me a couple questions like if I breastfeed. Then they put baby on the table and listen to his heartbeat and then give him the vaccination on his thigh. Then we are asked to go outside once again and wait 15 minutes before leaving to make sure there are no side effects.

I don't expect it to be a day at the spa but a proper waiting room, a list for the order we go in, and seats aren't much to ask for, right?