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- August 15, 2024
This article was posted in The Daily Mining Gazette. Read more here.
With a new school year fast approaching, officials with the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) are encouraging families to check their children’s vaccination statuses.
Some vaccines, such as those for Hepatitis B and Polio, are required to attend school in Michigan. However, some students are allowed exemptions for the six required vaccinations. According to MDHHS, we need to have high numbers of children vaccinated, since some are not able to receive vaccines because of compromised immune systems, religious beliefs, or other factors that may warrant an exemption.
“To protect those who are most vulnerable, and I’m talking about kids who have had organ transplants, kids on chemotherapy,” said the State of Michigan’s Chief Medical Executive, Dr. Natasha Bagdasarian.
According to data from Michigan’s state health department, 74% of Michigan children ages 19 to 35 months were fully vaccinated in 2019. In 2024, the number decreased to 67% of children.
“These are really potentially life saving tools, these are tools that keep your child healthy,” said Dr. Bagdasarian. “(Since) we have virtually eliminated some of these diseases, people are less aware of how devastating these diseases can be.”
Calls from the MDHHS to update vaccinations come during National Immunization Awareness Month.
“This annual observance highlights efforts to protect individuals of all ages against vaccine-preventable diseases, and make sure residents receive vaccinations on time,” a press release from MDHHS says. “Global immunization efforts have saved an estimated 154 million lives–the majority of lives saved were infants (101 million). MDHHS encourages residents to talk to their health care provider about recommended vaccines for themselves and their families.”
Vaccination rates for Michigan school districts are available at michigan.gov/mdhhs.
MDHHS also encourages residents to explore the CDC’s Interactive Vaccine Guide, which offers details on vaccines for children, adolescents, adults and pregnant women. Adults over age 19 can use the CDC’s Adult Vaccine Assessment Tool to determine their vaccination needs.
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Recommended Immunization Schedules
These schedules list the age or age range when each vaccine or series of shots is recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). If your child (birth through 6 years old) or adolescent (age 7 through 18 years old) has missed any shots, talk to your child’s doctor about getting back on track.
- From birth through 6 years
- From 7 through 18 years
- For adults (19 years or older)
- Catch up schedule
- Building Blocks for MI Immunityfrom the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS)
Vaccine Schedule Based On Your Child’s Birthday
Make sure your child is immunized on schedule. For a complete list of recommended immunizations, just select your child’s birth date.
From the CDC
Immunization Tracker
This print-friendly chart helps you track your child’s vaccinations at each appointment.
From the CDC
Request your child’s immunization record
TheMichigan Care Improvement Registry (MCIR), is an immunization registry managed by MDHHS and reported to by immunization providers. MCIR allows healthcare providers or individuals to access their immunization records regardless of their location in Michigan. This system also helps to track local and state immunization rates of Michigan residents to ensure immunity to vaccine-preventable illnesses. MCIR is a lifespan registry that includes infant through adult records.
- Request a copy of your child’s MCIR record from your doctor’s office oryour local health department
- Request a copy of your child’s MCIR record from MDHHS department
For your appointment
Before, during, and after pregnancy protection
When you’re pregnant, you share everything with your baby. That means when you get vaccines, you aren’t just protecting yourself — you are giving your baby some early protection, too. The CDC has guidelines for the vaccines you and your baby need before, during, and after pregnancy.
From the CDC
Get prepared: Before, during, and after your child’s appointment
There are things you can do before, during and after your child’s appointment to make them easier and less stressful for both of you.
From the CDC
Mobile app from the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia
The Vaccine Education Center at the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia created a free mobile app calledVaccines on the Go: What You Should Knowso you can access credible, science-based information from wherever and whenever you need it.
- Download the free app for iOS from the iTunes App Store for Apple devices
- Download the free app from the Google Play Store for Android devices
Find your local Michigan public health department or immunization clinic
See the directory of Michigan’s 45 local public health departments for more information on your child’s immunization record and where to get them vaccinated.
Other Vaccination Organizations & Advocates
Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia
The Vaccine Education Center at Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia provides complete, up-to-date and reliable information about vaccines to parents and healthcare professionals.
Shot by Shot
Stories of Vaccine-Preventable Diseases is a collection of stories from people who have been touched by vaccine-preventablediseases.
Voices for Vaccines
Voices for Vaccines is a parent-led organization that supports and advocates for on-time vaccination and the reduction of vaccine-preventable disease.
Seattle Mama Doc: A Blog by Dr. Wendy Sue Swanson
Dr. Wendy Sue Swanson is a practicing pediatrician and the mother of two young boys. She practices at The Everett Clinic in Mill Creek, Washington, is on the medical staff at Seattle Children’s and is a clinical instructor in the Department of Pediatrics at the University of Washington.
Parents of Kids with Infectious Diseases
PKIDs’ mission is to educate the public about infectious diseases, the methods of prevention and transmission, the latest advances in medicine, and the elimination of social stigma borne by the infected; and to assist the families of the children living with hepatitis, HIV/AIDS, or other chronic, viral infectious diseases with emotional, financial and informational support.
