Health Care Providers: New Childhood Immunization Guidelines will Mean Healthier, Safer Michigan

LANSING, MI – Dec. 11, 2014 – Physician, nurse and health care leaders from across Michigan issued the following joint statement in support of new childhood immunization guidelines developed by the Snyder Administration and approved today by the Legislature’s Joint Committee on Administrative Rules:

“Childhood immunizations protect our kids from dangerous infectious diseases such as measles, mumps and whooping cough, but more and more Michigan kids are at risk as non-medical exemption rates rise and immunization rates fall. In fact, Michigan unfortunately boasts the nation’s 4th highest rate of vaccination exemptions. This puts everyone at risk.

“Today’s update to state regulations regarding immunizations is about information and education and ensuring parents have enough of both as they make critical health decisions that impact their families and communities. Families choosing not to immunize their children will still be able to do so, but they will be supported with a consistent, detailed assessment of the personal and public health implications of their choices. We commend the Snyder Administration, state Senator Jim Marleau, and lawmakers for their leadership on this essential issue and for making this important update to state rules.”

The Michigan Academy of Family Physicians, Michigan State Medical Society, Michigan Osteopathic Association, Michigan Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics, the Michigan Association of School Nurses, the Michigan Council for Maternal and Child Health, the School Community Health Alliance of Michigan, the Michigan Association of Health Plans, and the Michigan Association for Local Public Health are working together to protect Michigan children by increasing immunization rates and immunization awareness across the state.