Get Vaccinated

During the past two and a half years, many children have fallen behind on their vaccines. There is no shame in that — the global pandemic has presented challenges for all of us. But now it’s time to get your child back on track with their vaccinations, and it’s easy to do.

Take the time to make an appointment with your child’s primary care provider to get your child back on schedule. I can tell you from experience as a family physician, any and every provider is going to be happy you’re making the appointment and welcome the effort to protect your child’s health and development.

Simply put, vaccines save lives. The science is very clear on that fact. I — along with the American Academy of Pediatrics and the American Academy of Family Physicians — wholeheartedly agree that vaccines are essential to protecting the health of each individual, as well as the public health.

We’ve seen vaccines work in real time over the past two years as COVID-19 vaccines changed the pandemic’s landscape. With school starting soon, now would also be a great time to see if you’re up to date with these immunizations so you and your family are fully protected at the start of the new school year.

If you’re still on the fence about getting your child vaccinated against COVID-19, I encourage you to talk with your primary care provider. They have a wealth of knowledge about the vaccines and have your child’s best interest at heart.

August is National Immunization Awareness Month.

Dr. David Weismantel is MESSA’s new medical director. Dr. Weismantel, a family medicine physician, received his medical degree from the University of Michigan Medical School and completed his residency in family medicine at Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minn. Most recently, he served as the university physician (chief health officer) and executive director of student health and wellness at Michigan State University.