LANSING, Mich. (Michigan News Source) – As Michigan’s youngest prepare to re-enter the upcoming school year and daycare, a recent study found that many may not be fully immunized. 

The number of children 19 to 36 months who are up to date on their recommended vaccines is below 70 percent for 52 of the state’s 83 counties according to the Michigan Care Improvement Registry. 

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Additionally, a report card from the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services also demonstrates immunization levels are down via the state’s statewide quarterly immunization report card. 

In fact, for the past 8 quarters, select vaccines and vaccine series including: 4 Diphtheria, Tetanus, Pertussis (DTap); 3 Polio; 1 Measles, Mumps, Rubella (MMR); 3 Hepatitis B (HepB); 1 Varicella more commonly called Chickenpox among others are at all time lows for children.  The vaccine with the highest completion rate goes to the pneumococcal (PCV) vaccination series with a 74.4% of coverage for the children in the state, a nearly 5% reduction from quarter three of 2021. 

Some medical professionals, like Immunization Program Supervisor at Kent County Health Department, Amy Shears, are highly recommending children get more of their vaccines. 

“Kids need to be vaccinated to stay healthy, while they’re out of school so they can (go to) sports events and family events and such,” Shears said. 

She also offered some consolation for those who are perhaps a little late to getting the vaccines before school starts. 

“So, on that first day of school you don’t get a phone call or a letter from the school saying, ‘Hey we need this information,’” Shears said.

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Others in the state have spoken in favor of allowing parents to choose for their children, and possibly making use of the right to philosophical and religious waivers. 

If a child is not up-to-date on their vaccinations, a waiver is required for the child to enroll in: a licensed childcare, Preschool or Head Start, Kindergarten, Seventh grade, or a new school district (or a new charter or private school) according to the Washtenaw County Health Department. 

“There’s been a lot of debate in recent years. We can provide reliable information and local data about the benefits of vaccination and the risks of vaccine-preventable illnesses,” says Jane Nickert, MSN, MSBA, director of nursing for Washtenaw County Health Department. “Local families can then make their own informed decisions.”

According to the Washtenaw County Health Department, the COVID-19 vaccine is not currently listed as one of the required childhood immunizations, but encourages families to speak with their school or pediatrician for assistance and guidance whether to get it for their children. 

Data from the National Conference of State Legislatures reports that Michigan is one of 14 states to allow provisions for philosophical and religious exemption waivers for students, some of which include: Colorado, North Dakota, Minnesota, Texas, and Ohio.