Slovakia

Due to migration between settlements and abroad there is a lack of vaccination data which leads to a suboptimal health information system, which is necessary to understand, act if necessary and compare data. The Roma community in Slovakia often are unaware of the importance of immunization. Secondly, they experience challenges in accessing vaccination services. The Roma community in Slovakia use health services less frequently compared to majority of the population; they only tend to use health care in acute cases. Limited use of vaccination services is partly explained by significant information barriers, discrimination and the absence of a doctor to approach when needed. In addition, limited language and cultural understanding of healthcare professionals often result in the indirect unavailability of vaccination services. Finally, the lack of governmental financial resources lead to disruption of programmes focusing on the improvement of Roma health, including vaccine preventable diseases. Transport and medical costs are additional barriers to accessing healthcare services among the Slovak Roma community, 9.2% could not afford or did not want to pay a fee for immunization.