GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. — Vaccination rates among toddlers in Michigan has been on the decline over the last two years.
Vaccination rates were at their highest in 2017 according to a new report from the Michigan League for Public Policy and Data Driven Detroit.
Now, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, rates have dipped even further amid the COVID-19 pandemic.
The report, “Childhood Vaccines in Michigan,” analyzes data over time and tracks immunization data for each county in Michigan going back to 2008.
While overall rates are up statewide from 2008, recent data indicated that a number of counties have had their vaccination rates plateau or even dip in the past few years.
By 2019, declining vaccination rates nationally led to the greatest number of measles cases in the U.S. since 1992. In Michigan, more than 40 cases were confirmed and children as young as 8 months old were affected by the outbreak.
“Dips like this are concerning because vaccines are about public health,” said Kelsey Perdue, Kids Count in Michigan Project Director. “Herd immunity protects everyone from contagious diseases -- but the exact rate of immunity to protect a population varies depending on the disease, so any dip in vaccination rates is a threat. Last year’s measles outbreak prompted us to look more closely at the data to find patterns.”
And as the COVID-19 pandemic continues, rates have decreased further due to delayed appointments, shifts in resources and other complications.
According to a report by the Detroit News, parents were canceling vaccination appointments back in March. Vaccination rates overall for children 18 and younger fell by more than 20%.
Measles vaccinations, in particular, dropped about 76% among 16-month-old children, according to the Childhood Vaccines in Michigan report.
Public health officials are repeatedly recommended that everyone get caught up on their immunization to assure that everyone is protected from vaccine-preventable diseases.
“It is concerning that so many children are behind on their vaccinations and susceptible to preventable diseases,” said Dr. Joneigh Khaldun, chief medical executive and chief deputy for health at MDHHS. "Vaccines are essential. It is important for caregivers to contact their healthcare provider to get children caught up on needed vaccines.”
Many healthcare providers are implementing new procedures to ensure patients can safely come in for well visits and to get caught up on immunizations, including checking in from the car, limiting how many people can accompany a child and requiring face masks. The CDC has released extensive guidance for healthcare providers on how to continue to provide immunization services safely during the COVID-19 pandemic.
According to the CDC, ensuring immunization services are maintained or reinitiated is essential for protecting individuals and communities from vaccine-preventable diseases and outbreaks, and reducing the burden of respiratory illness during the upcoming influenza season.
“It will also be vital for everyone ages six months and older to get their flu vaccine this fall,” said Khaldun. “The influenza vaccine will help keep Michiganders out of the hospital for flu-related illnesses, saving lives and protecting our hospital capacity during the COVID-19 pandemic.”
Parents should contact their child’s healthcare provider to find out what vaccines their child needs, discuss the safety measures put in place to protect patients and schedule an appointment. If insurance coverage has been disrupted or there is concern about being able to afford childhood vaccines, the Michigan Vaccines for Children program can help. It provides vaccines for children through age 18 years who are Medicaid-eligible, uninsured, underinsured, American Indian or Alaska Native.
Parents can contact their healthcare provider or local health department for more information. Please be aware health departments remain active with the COVID-19 response and may provide limited services at this time; call ahead for details.
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