Measles vaccination rates fall to 62% among students

Health Minister Sasho Klekovski has warned of rising risks due to low measles vaccination rates among students, which currently stand at only 62%. This figure falls significantly short of the 95% threshold required to maintain herd immunity.

The warning comes amid rising measles cases in Kosovo and Bulgaria. Klekovski noted that while the Institute of Public Health is conducting information campaigns, there is strong resistance to vaccination in certain urban areas. He highlighted a concerning trend where more developed areas with higher education levels show lower vaccination rates compared to less developed regions.

Potential complications from measles include high fever, diarrhea, dehydration, lung infections, and weakened immune systems. Authorities are calling on parents to ensure their children are vaccinated to prevent outbreaks in schools and nurseries.