Michigan School-By-School Immunization Rates of Kindergarteners and Seventh Graders

August is National Immunization Awareness Month.

Learn when vaccines are due and see the immunization rates of kindergarten and seventh grade students from every school in Michigan.

Before beginning school in the fall, children entering a licensed childcare facility, kindergarten, 7^th grade, or moving to a new school district, need to be up to date on their immunizations or obtain a waiver from their local health department.

“Now is the perfect time to talk with your family physician about the vaccinations your children need before the school year,” said Dr. Eden Wells, chief medical executive for the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS). “Immunizations are safe and effective, and by keeping current on the recommended vaccination schedule, parents can protect their children and our communities against vaccine-preventable diseases.”

Nationally, there has been a recent increase in cases of measles, and the only way to reverse the trend is to build and maintain high vaccination rates. Currently, Michigan’s statewide waiver rate for children and adolescents is 5 percent, but rates vary by county.

MDHHS is partnering with local health departments to educate parents on the benefits of vaccines and the risks associated with not vaccinating – risks to both to the individual and the community.

In January 2015, a new administrative rule went into effect requiring parents to talk with a health educator at their local health department before opting their children out of vaccinations.

Also, parents who choose not to vaccinate must make an appointment with their local health department to receive a non-medical waiver, it is no longer available at schools or childcare.

The Vaccines for Children (VFC) Program helps provide vaccines to children whose parents or guardians may not be able to afford them – parents are encouraged to contact their local health department for additional information.