Although the number of vaccinated children considerably increased in 2018, the number of unprotected children is still very high, especially among the youngest generation, born in the last two years, warned the representatives of the Institute for Public Health of Montenegro.
Vaccination coverage rate with the 3-valent vaccine that protects from measles, mumps and rubella is considerably higher among generations of children born between 2001 and 2016, where the percentage of vaccinated persons amounts almost 92%. In order for all kids to be protected, this percentage needs to be more than 95%.
Unconfirmed, but apparently influential assumptions, that the MMR vaccine might be related to significant increase of autistic spectrum among children in Montenegro and all around the world, have caused fear and panic among parents who have been refusing to vaccinate their children. Numerous anti-vaccination lobbies fueled the suspicions and the result is – greater number of measles cases in Europe and America. As the media reported, the WHO warned that refusing to vaccinate children was one of ten biggest threats to population’s health. The most recent study conducted by the doctors in Denmark showed that the MMR vaccine doesn’t increase risk from autism.
“The fact that for more than ten years the scientists have been monitoring almost 660 thousand kids, indicates the importance of the study, seriousness of the methodological approach, and focus on collecting, connecting and comparison of credible medical data of vaccinated and unvaccinated children. The objective of the study was to provide scientific evidence that will be used for the well-being of not only Danish children, but the children around the world”, said the representatives of the Institute for Public Health.
However, anti-vaccination movement will “find another untruth, twist the facts again and crate new illusion in order to attract the attention of the media and confuse parents”.
“Even though it’s XXI century, we still believe in quackery and see many illnesses as harmless. We believe they won’t affect us”.
Pediatrician in the Health care center in Podgorica, Dr. Paša Divanović, explains that the MMR vaccine is one of ten mandatory vaccines, stipulated by the law. The first dose is given in the range from 12 to 16 months after the birth and the second before the children go to school. She states that the number of vaccinated kids has increased. However, any percentage under 95% is unsatisfactory. She expects that the most recent study will bring positive results and that the number of vaccinated kids will be increasing.
“We are constantly reassuring parents and helping them understand that vaccination is the best and the most efficient way of health protection”, says Dr. Divanović.
