Montenegro: 13 percent of primary school students unvaccinated against measles

Approximately 10,000 children in Montenegrin primary schools, representing about 13 percent of the school population, are unvaccinated against measles. Data from the Institute of Public Health indicates that every seventh primary school student in the country lacks vaccination.

Vaccination coverage varies significantly by municipality. While Mojkovac and Pljevlja report rates exceeding 96 percent, Bar and Budva show coverage of approximately 70 percent. Although the risk of spread is lower in schools than in kindergartens, unvaccinated children remain at risk, particularly after contact with infected individuals.

In the event of a measles outbreak, schools will follow instructions from the Ministry of Education and the Institute of Public Health. Epidemiologist Marija Božović noted that unvaccinated children who have been in contact with an infected person may be required to undergo isolation for a period determined by health services unless they receive immediate vaccination.