Protect students before school starts
August is National Immunization Awareness Month – a perfect time to review the status of your child’s vaccine records and get them up to date for vaccine-preventable diseases before school begins.
“Back-to-school season means getting everything your kids need for day one: school supplies, new clothes and, yes, immunizations,” said Health Department of Northwest Michigan (HDNW) Medical Director Dr. Joshua Meyerson. “Getting students vaccinated is crucial for the health and wellbeing of students, families, teachers, and school staff.”
Routine vaccines and school vaccination requirements protect school communities against vaccine-preventable disease outbreaks, keeping children in school and ready to learn.
Unsure of what vaccines your kids need? The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has an easy-to-follow immunization schedule that spans from birth through age 18. The schedule is designed to provide protection early in life, before children are likely to be exposed to serious, potentially life-threatening diseases. In addition, you can contact your doctor or HDNW if you are unsure about which vaccines your child may need.
Beginning in August, HDNW begins scheduling additional immunization clinics focused on flu vaccines throughout its service area: Antrim, Charlevoix, Emmet, and Otsego counties. These clinics are open to students, families, and community members.
If you have specific questions about your child’s health, immunization status, or you would like to see what clinics are nearest you, please call HDNW locally at 800-432-4121.
If you have an online record of your child’s immunizations through the Michigan Immunization Portal, MCIR, or you would like to register for one, go to https://mdhhsmiimmsportal.state.mi.us. MCIR is an online tool that allows parents to sign in at any time and download immunization records.
