Vaccinate!
Let’s face it, being a parent is hard—so many responsibilities and so many things to remember. And with dozens of decisions to be made each day, it’s understandable when a few items on the lengthy to-do list get overlooked.
For that reason, Mid-Michigan District Health Department (MMDHD) is reminding parents of the importance of getting their children vaccinated on time to prevent vaccine-preventable diseases.
One key vaccine-preventable disease of concern is measles. In 2013, Michigan recorded five cases, and while that may seem like a small number, it is the highest number in the state since 1999. When it comes to measles, even one case is cause for great concern because the disease can spread easily and quickly in vulnerable communities.
Another disease that can be prevented by vaccination is pertussis – also called whooping cough. In 2013, nearly 1,000 cases of whooping cough were reported in Michigan, with many others going undiagnosed and/or unreported. While pertussis may cause only mild symptoms with prolonged coughing in healthy adults, it can be deadly for children and those with impaired immune systems. Therefore, it’s important for adults to keep up-to-date on their pertussis vaccinations, as well as children and teens.
The recommended vaccination schedule is designed to provide protection early in life, when babies are most vulnerable and before they’re likely to be exposed to diseases. Delaying or avoiding vaccination puts children at risk of getting sick and severely ill with preventable diseases.
If you have questions about what vaccinations your child may need, talk with your child’s doctor or nurse. For more information about vaccines, visit www.michigan.gov/immunize or http://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/parents/index.html.
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