Podgorica, (MINA) – Measures prescribed by the new Law on the Protection of the Population from Infectious Diseases, which introduces mandatory vaccination of children prior to enrollment in preschool institutions, are aimed at protecting children’s health and reducing the risk of epidemics in communal settings, the Institute for Public Health (IJZ) stated.

“This measure is being introduced to protect the health of children, especially the youngest who are most susceptible to the developing severe forms of certain infectious diseases, as well as to reduce the risk of epidemics in collectives, where infections spread the fastest”, said the IJZ.

IJZ stated that vaccination coverage in Montenegro has been on decline over the past ten years, and that, despite numerous measures implemented by the health system with the support of international partners, the trend has continued.

According to them, currently more than 18,000 preschool-age children have not been vaccinated with a single dose of the MMR vaccine, while by the age of 18 that number is over 30,000 children.

“Given that the coverage is lowest precisely among the youngest, where the epidemiological risk is the highest, it was necessary to take a decisive step in order to reverse the long-term downward trend and increase the acceptance of vaccination”, the press release says.

IJZ stated that the new legal solution foresees control of the vaccination status prior to enrollment in preschool institutions as a protective measure, aimed at ensuring safe stay for children without the risk of dangerous infectious diseases.