Montenegro MMR vaccine coverage rises to 63% amid measles epidemic warnings

The MMR vaccine coverage among children born between 2020 and 2024 in Montenegro has increased from 50% to 63%. Despite this rise, health experts warn that the country remains at risk of a measles epidemic, as approximately 95% coverage with two doses is required to achieve herd immunity.

During a consultative hearing by the Parliamentary Committee for Health, Labor, and Social Welfare, officials noted that about 12,000 MMR doses have been administered so far this year, which is double the amount from the previous year. State Secretary Milena Cojić attributed the increase to a new legal requirement making vaccination a condition for enrollment in preschool institutions.

Marijan Bakić, acting director of the Institute of Public Health, emphasized that current levels are still insufficient to prevent the spread of measles and called for continued intensive immunization campaigns. Concerns were also raised regarding low coverage in coastal municipalities such as Ulcinj, Budva, and Bar. The hearing was marked by the absence of Health Minister Vojislav Šimun, a point of criticism raised by lawmakers.