Childhood Immunizations Available in Monroe County Ahead of School Year
Monroe County families have convenient access to critical immunizations for children as they prepare to return to school. The Monroe County Health Department is actively offering vaccinations to ensure students are protected against preventable diseases. Appointments can be scheduled by calling 734-240-7830.
State Requirements for School Immunizations
Michigan state law mandates that all children entering kindergarten and seventh grade are up-to-date on their recommended immunizations. These requirements are designed to safeguard public health and minimize the spread of infectious diseases within school communities. High vaccination rates protect everyone and are especially vital as the new school year approaches,
stated breauna Dungey, personal health services director at the Monroe County Health Department.
Preventable Diseases and Rising Cases
Vaccinations are a cornerstone of preventative healthcare, shielding children from a range of serious illnesses. Diseases preventable through vaccination include chickenpox, influenza, hepatitis, measles, mumps, meningococcal disease, pneumonia, shingles, pertussis (whooping cough), diphtheria, and polio. recent data reveals a concerning increase in whooping cough cases in Michigan, jumping from 110 in 2023 to 2,081 in 2024.
Did You Know?
Whooping cough, also known as pertussis, is a highly contagious respiratory infection that can cause severe coughing fits, especially risky for infants.
Vaccination Rates in Monroe County
Data from the Michigan Care Advancement Registry indicates a slight decline in toddler vaccination rates within Monroe County. The percentage of children aged 19-35 months current on recommended vaccinations decreased from 74.1% in 2014 to 70.8% in 2024. This trend underscores the importance of proactive immunization efforts.
| Year | Toddler Vaccination Rate (19-35 months) |
|---|---|
| 2014 | 74.1% |
| 2024 | 70.8% |
Vaccinations are readily available not only through the health department but also via local healthcare providers and pharmacies. Families with established relationships with pediatricians or primary care physicians are encouraged to schedule appointments directly with their doctors.
Financial Assistance for Vaccinations
The Vaccines for Children program offers no-cost vaccinations to eligible children under the age of 19. Eligibility criteria include enrollment in Medicaid, being uninsured, underinsured, or identifying as American Indian or Alaskan Native. The Monroe County Health Department accepts both Medicaid and a variety of private insurance plans.
Pro Tip:
Contact your insurance provider to confirm coverage for vaccinations before your appointment.
For comprehensive data and resources, visit healthymonroecounty.com.
Are you confident your child’s immunizations are current for the upcoming school year? What steps will you take to ensure their health and safety?
The Importance of Herd Immunity
vaccination isn’t just about protecting the individual; it’s about contributing to herd immunity. When a notable portion of a population is vaccinated, it becomes challenging for diseases to spread, protecting those who cannot be vaccinated, such as infants or individuals with compromised immune systems (CDC, 2023). Maintaining high vaccination rates is a collective obligation.
Frequently Asked Questions About Childhood Immunizations
- What vaccinations are required for kindergarten in Michigan? kindergarteners typically need vaccinations against diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis, polio, measles, mumps, rubella, varicella (chickenpox), and hepatitis B.
- What vaccinations are required for seventh grade in Michigan? Seventh graders generally require boosters for tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis (Tdap), as well as a meningococcal vaccine.
- Is the MMR vaccine safe? The MMR (measles, mumps, and rubella) vaccine is rigorously tested and proven safe and effective. Concerns about a link to autism have been thoroughly debunked by scientific research.
- What is the Vaccines for Children program? This program provides free vaccines to eligible children who are uninsured,underinsured,Medicaid-eligible,or American Indian/alaskan Native.
- Where can I find my child’s vaccination records? Vaccination records are typically maintained by your child’s pediatrician or the local health department.
We hope this information is helpful as you prepare for the new school year. Please share this article with your friends and family to help spread awareness about the importance of childhood immunizations.We welcome your comments and feedback!
