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Montenegro childhood MMR vaccination rates fall to 23 percent
UNICEF has issued a warning regarding declining childhood immunization rates in Montenegro. Data from the Institute of Public Health of Montenegro for August 2026 indicates that only 23 percent of children born in 2024 have received their first dose of the MMR (measles, mumps, and rubella) vaccine. This is a significant drop from the 88 percent coverage recorded for children born in 2013.
To prevent measles epidemics, UNICEF emphasizes that at least 95 percent of a community must be vaccinated. Mikele Servadei, UNICEF head of representation in Montenegro, noted that while no epidemic is currently present, the low coverage creates a high risk for rapid spread if the virus enters the community.
In August 2026, the Institute of Public Health reported that 2,419 MMR doses were administered in Montenegro, consisting of 2,136 first doses and 283 second doses. Health officials have urged parents to complete vaccinations, citing recent measles outbreaks in Bulgaria, Kosovo, and Serbia as reasons for increased vigilance.
Entities
Institute of Public Health of Montenegro · Mikele Servadei · Montenegro · UNICEF
Claims
What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.
- [● 2 SOURCES] According to data from August 2026, only 23 percent of children born in 2024 in Montenegro received their first MMR vaccine dose. kodex.me
- [● 2 SOURCES] UNICEF states that at least 95 percent of children must be vaccinated to protect communities from measles epidemics. kodex.me
- [○ 1 SOURCE] Measles outbreaks have occurred in Bulgaria, Kosovo, and Serbia. www.dan.co.me
- [○ 1 SOURCE] Of the MMR doses administered in August 2026, 2,136 were first doses and 283 were second doses. www.dan.co.me
- [○ 1 SOURCE] During August 2026, a total of 2,419 MMR vaccine doses were administered in Montenegro. www.dan.co.me