Press Release FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: April 21, 2025 CONTACT: Laina Stebbins, 517-241-2112, [email protected] Families urged to get children caught up on vaccines LANSING, Mich. – During National Infant Immunization Week, the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services is encouraging parents across Michigan to ensure their children receive vaccinations on time for optimal protection against serious illnesses. National Infant Immunization Week (NIIW), an annual observance recognized this year April 21-28, highlights the importance of protecting children 2 years old and younger from vaccine-preventable diseases. Global immunization efforts during the last 50 years have saved an estimated 154 million lives, including 101 million infants. With ongoing measles outbreaks nationwide and cases rising in Michigan, it is crucial now more than ever to ensure Michigan residents – particularly children – are up to date on all recommended immunizations. “Vaccines are one of the most effective tools we have to keep children healthy and communities safe,” said Dr. Natasha Bagdasarian, chief medical executive. “With diseases like measles on the rise across the country, staying on schedule with childhood immunizations is more important than ever. I urge all parents to connect with their child’s health care provider, pharmacy or local health department to make sure their child is protected on time, every time.” The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the American Academy of Pediatrics urge parents to keep their children on schedule with well-child visits and routine vaccinations. Timely vaccination is essential for protecting against potentially life-threatening diseases. This helps children stay healthy for school, childcare and beyond. Even small declines in vaccination coverage can result in an increase in the number of cases and outbreaks of vaccine preventable diseases like measles that can cause serious illness, hospitalization and death. According to data from the Michigan Care Improvement Registry, as of Dec. 31, 2024, only 57% of children 19 through 35 months of age were up to date with all recommended vaccines. This means that nearly half of Michigan toddlers are not fully protected from vaccine-preventable diseases. Parents should reach out to their child’s health care provider to find out which vaccines are needed to ensure their child stays protected. For more information on vaccines, parents can visit Michigan.gov/immunize or iVaccinate.org. |
