Children should be vaccinated on time

PODGORICA, 31 August 2026 – Vaccination coverage for routine vaccines in Montenegro has remained worryingly low for years. According to data from Montenegro Institute of Public Health from August 2026, only 23 per cent of children born in 2024 received the first dose of the MMR vaccine against measles, mumps and rubella compared with 88 per cent in 2013. Because measles is extremely contagious, vaccination coverage of at least 95 per cent is needed to protect communities from outbreaks.

“Routine childhood vaccines are safe and effective and are subject to strict quality and safety requirements and continuous monitoring. They protect children from serious diseases that can lead to long-term health consequences, disability and death. The scientific evidence is clear: timely vaccination protects children from serious diseases and saves lives. According to a UNICEF report published in 2024, vaccines have saved at least 154 million lives worldwide since 1974, including nearly 94 million through measles vaccination alone,” said Michele Servadei, UNICEF Representative to Montenegro.

The absence of an outbreak today does not mean there is no risk. When immunization coverage is low and many people remain unprotected, a causative agent, especially some virus, introduced into a community can spread rapidly and cause an outbreak.

UNICEF data published in 2025 shows that measles outbreaks have been recorded in more than 100 countries over the past five years. (https://www.unicef.org/stories/measles-outbreaks-child-risk) The same report indicates that measles continues to claim nearly 300 lives every day – approximately 12 every hour – mostly among children under five.

Measles can cause serious complications, including pneumonia and encephalitis, as well as long-term health consequences. A child who has not been vaccinated does not have the protection provided by vaccination and faces a higher risk of disease and serious complications.

“Vaccination is one of the safest and most effective ways to protect children’s lives and health. Worryingly low routine immunization coverage means that children in Montenegro remain exposed to diseases that can be prevented. We encourage parents who have questions or concerns to speak with their pediatrician and vaccinate their children on time, in accordance with the national immunization schedule,” said dr Senad Begić, UNICEF Social and Behaviour Change Officer.

UNICEF calls on the Government to apply a combination of evidence-based and child-centred measures to increase timely immunization coverage. Such measures should combine evidence-based communication, quality dialogue with health professionals and readily accessible immunization services.

Timely routine vaccination is in the best interests of the child. Parents should neither delay nor skip vaccinating their children.

UNICEF advocates for solutions through which the state increases timely immunization coverage, protects children’s health and enables their access to quality preschool education. Protecting children’s health through timely vaccination and ensuring their access to education are not competing objectives.