Doctors, public health sound alarm on childhood vaccination rates

Parents urged to get children caught up on vaccines

With children’s vaccination rates falling to alarmingly low levels in many Michigan counties, doctors and public health experts are urging parents to get their children caught up on routine vaccines.

In April, the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) reported that vaccination rates for Michigan children ages 3 to 19 fell below 70% in more than half of the state — 42 of 83 counties. The rate dropped below 60% in six Michigan counties and the city of Detroit, according to data from the Michigan Care Improvement Registry, which compiles and tracks immunization rates in the state.

While community immunity is different for each disease and vaccine, doctors and public health experts generally agree that a 70% vaccination rate is the minimum protection level desired.

Experts say children’s vaccination rates dropped over the past year because parents postponed well-child visits to stay home and safe during the COVID-19 pandemic. Now, doctors warn that the lower vaccination rates make it easier for vaccine-preventable diseases to spread.

“It’s time to catch up Michigan children who did not get their routine vaccinations over the past year so we can protect them and our friends, families and loved ones who are medically unable to be vaccinated,” said Bob Swanson, MDHHS immunization division director.

Doctors and other medical professionals agree: Vaccines are safe and effective at preventing disease and protecting communities from outbreaks of potentially deadly diseases, such as measles, pertussis (whooping cough), mumps and more.

The recommended immunization schedule from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) protects children from 16 vaccine-preventable diseases by age 18.

The CDC’s recommended schedule is approved by every major medical organization in the country, including the American Academy of Pediatrics and the American Academy of Family Physicians. It is the only immunization schedule that has been carefully tested, studied and reviewed by medical experts prior to being recommended for children.

MESSA covers 189,000 people, including thousands of children. MESSA urges parents to make sure their children are up to date on all vaccines, so the state can return to a 70% vaccination rate. All MESSA health plans cover recommended childhood vaccinations at no cost to MESSA members when administered at an in-network provider, local health department or participating pharmacy.

If you have any questions about your MESSA benefits or where to obtain childhood vaccinations, call MESSA’s Member Service Center at 800-336-1300.
Parents who have questions about the safety and efficacy of vaccinations can find information based on medical science at IVaccinate.org.