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Health experts are asking parents to keep their kids up to date on vaccines.
The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) says a decreasing number of families vaccinate their young children.
In 2017 four Upper Peninsula Counties had less than 70% of children ages 19-35 months vaccinated.
Now, MDHHS Chief Medical Executive Dr. Natasha Bagdasarian says the number of counties has doubled.
“This means that there are some children in the state who are more vulnerable than others,” Bagdasarian said. “Because of the communities in which they live and because of low vaccination pockets.”
Dr. Bagdasarian says low vaccination pockets can be breeding grounds for diseases that were almost eliminated.
Aspirus Health Family Medicine Physician Dr. Natalie Weeks says not vaccinating your kids puts them and the community you live in at risk.
“Vaccines not only protect your child but they also protect the community at large,” Weeks said. “Especially those that may be immunocompromised or have a more difficult time fighting off infections.”
Earlier in August, the FDA approved an updated version of the COVID-19 vaccine.
When it comes to other fall illnesses like COVID-19, Dr. Bagdasarian says parents should start looking at these vaccines like they would cold and flu.
“What we are seeing with Covid, as time goes on, it’s taking more of a seasonal trend,” Bagdasarian said. “We’re seeing more patterns emerge. This is a virus that likes to transmit during cold, dry weather conditions.”
At the end of September, you can order up to four free tests. Those will be available at CovidTests.gov.