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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.