Background: Despite efforts by public health officials to counter the spread of anti-vaccine ideology, the movement continues to thrive in various countries and cultures. This study aims to answer the question of whether the anti-vaccine movement is a supracultural phenomenon that transcends national and cultural boundaries by identifying the anti-vaccine narratives in Serbia and comparing them to anti-vaccination narratives present in Germany, Brazil, India, United States of America, Australia, Canada, Nigeria and Japan. Answering this question can inform the development of targeted interventions and communication strategies to mitigate the negative impact of the anti-vaccine movement on public health. Methods: For identification and understanding of the anti-vaccine narratives, qualitative research is conducted using thematic analysis via the folk model on 12 Serbian social groups on the internet chosen by the criteria of an existing anti-vaccine narrative. Systematic analysis of the topic-related literature from PubMed and Google Scholar and news articles and broadcasts provided information on present narratives in other countries. Results: Comparative analysis of the acquired data has confirmed that two narratives are present in all countries. Distrust in the vaccine composition and benevolence of its components being one and another being the malevolent political agenda behind the vaccination. Conclusions: This study has proved that the anti-vaccine movement is a supracultural phenomenon based on the recurring narratives in countries worldwide. The importance of this discovery for public health lies in the implication that only the unified international initiative to counter the anti-vaccine movements can hope to yield lasting results because, if confronted locally, movements can be bolstered from outside sources. Key messages: • The anti-vaccine movement is a supracultural phenomenon. • The anti-vaccine movement cannot be countered locally.

Background/Objectives: Seasonal variations in mortality rates are well-documented, particularly during the winter months when mortality typically increases. This rise in mortality, ranging from 5% to 25%, is often associated with chronic cardiovascular and respiratory diseases. Understanding these seasonal fluctuations is essential for guiding public health interventions. This study analyzes mortality rates and excess mortality in Belgrade from March 2020 to May 2023, focusing on the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on overall mortality trends. The primary objective of this study is to assess the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on mortality rates in Belgrade during the study period. The first secondary objective is to evaluate seasonal variations in mortality, with a focus on the 10.57% overall increase in mortality, and to highlight the 34.23% rise in winter mortality recorded in 2020. The second secondary objective is to assess the effectiveness of public health measures in mitigating excess mortality during this period. Methods: A descriptive epidemiological approach was used to analyze monthly mortality data from the City Bureau of Statistics. Mortality rates were standardized using direct standardization and compared winter (December-February) and non-winter (March-November) periods. Trends, percentage increases, and age-specific mortality were analyzed based on the 2011 census methodology. Results: Mortality rates in Belgrade ranged from 1115.67 to 1267.19 deaths per 100,000 inhabitants, with an average of 1205.62. Standardized mortality rates ranged from 936.49 to 1111.67, averaging 1021.64. The winter months showed higher mortality, averaging 1716 deaths per 100,000, compared to 1558 in the non-winter months. Conclusions: The winter months exhibited significantly higher mortality rates, likely exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic. Targeted public health policies and interventions are necessary to reduce seasonal mortality risks during future public health crises.