Only 13% of children in Montenegro vaccinated with first dose of MMR vaccine

PODGORICA, 29 April 2026 – On the occasion of World Immunization Week, UNICEF warns of a sharp decline in vaccination coverage in Montenegro. Timely coverage with the first dose of the MMR vaccine (measles, mumps and rubella) among children born in 2024 stands at just 13%, according to data from the Institute of Public Health of Montenegro as of April 2026. This marks a steep drop from 88% coverage in 2013. The current level is far below the 95% required for “herd immunity”, significantly increasing the risk of measles outbreaks.

Measles is one of the most contagious diseases in the world and can lead to severe, even fatal outcomes in children, particularly those under five and those with weakened immune systems. When vaccination coverage declines, conditions are created for the disease to spread easily and rapidly, with the most serious consequences affecting unprotected children, especially the youngest, who may develop severe complications or even lose their lives.

Globally, UNICEF estimates that measles claim nearly 300 lives every day, mostly among children under five. Over the past five years, major outbreaks have been recorded in more than 100 countries. For every unvaccinated child, exposure to the virus carries a high risk of infection and serious complications.

“Current coverage of just 13% among children born in 2024, the lowest in Europe and among the lowest in the world, means that the majority of children in Montenegro are unprotected and at high risk from one of the most contagious diseases. If this trend is not reversed, it is not a question of whether an outbreak will occur, but a matter of when,” said Michele Servadei, UNICEF Representative in Montenegro.

“The drop from 88% to 13% in just one decade means that most children today are without the protection we once had, and we must urgently rebuild it. Vaccination is the most effective and safe way to prevent outbreaks and protect health and lives. Why the first dose is so critical? Infants are the most affected and the most likely to develop deadly complications. The first dose of MMR vaccine is therefore the first line of defense in creating lasting immunity and protection.”

Two doses of the MMR vaccine provide around 99% protection against measles. The vaccine has been in use for more than 50 years and has saved over 90 million lives. It is safe and effective.

UNICEF calls for:

– urgent increase in vaccination coverage through strengthening routine immunization programmes;

– rebuilding parents’ trust in vaccines and the health system through improved access to routine immunization services, as well as accurate and reliable information from health professionals and public health institutions;

– closer collaboration between parents, health workers and institutions.

Urgent and coordinated action by health institutions, decision-makers and local communities is needed to increase vaccination coverage without delay and prevent outbreaks.

The decline in vaccination coverage in Montenegro is driven by multiple factors, including the spread of misinformation, lack of trust and insufficient awareness, as well as challenges in access to quality health services in certain communities.

UNICEF in Montenegro is already addressing this challenge by supporting the strengthening of communication skills of both future and current health professionals, enabling them to engage in open and trust-based conversations with parents, grounded in facts, mutual trust and understanding of concerns. Such communication is key to rebuilding confidence and supporting informed decisions on child vaccination.

“Montenegro cannot afford further backsliding in protecting children from preventable diseases. Children’s right to health includes access to life-saving vaccines and protection they provide, and this must be a national priority,” Servadei added.

Every child has the right to protection from preventable diseases. UNICEF will continue working with health authorities, decision-makers and communities to improve immunization coverage and ensure that every child is protected.