Michigan doctors and public health officials are urging families to ensure their children are vaccinated against serious illnesses such as the flu, measles, RSV and whooping cough.
This call to action follows federal health officials’ decision to reduce the number of vaccines recommended on the childhood immunization schedule.
Health leaders stress that vaccinating children remains the most effective way to lower the risk of infection and protect communities.
Declining vaccination rates have coincided with a rise in cases and complications from these diseases.
Currently, Michigan is experiencing a surge in several infectious illnesses, including flu, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), measles, and pertussis (whooping cough).
Last year, Michigan recorded a record 14 pediatric flu deaths -- this flu season, that number is already at 8.
Michigan’s chief medical executive, Dr. Natasha Bagdasarian, highlighted the severity of this flu season for children.
“Influenza cases are increasing exponentially,” Bagdasarian said. “We’re seeing a massive influx of pediatric influenza cases in ICUs and on ventilators.”
In addition to flu, cases of measles, pertussis, and RSV are also increasing across the state.
RSV can cause severe respiratory illness, particularly in young children and older adults.
Health officials are urging parents to keep their children’s vaccinations up to date to help prevent these illnesses.
“People are not getting vaccinated,” Bagdasarian said. “My biggest issue is not really legislative; it’s a matter of trust and how we get accurate information in front of people. Every parent wants to make the best decision for their family.”