Vaccination rates among our local kids have fallen. This leaves children and our community at risk for preventable diseases and outbreaks. Please help us encourage local families and community members to catch up on their routine vaccinations, ideally during the summer. We have a flyer available in English, Spanish, Arabic, and Pashto – as well as stickers in English, Spanish, and Arabic. Share or contact us if you can use printed copies or stickers.
In Michigan, the number of toddlers current on their vaccinations has fallen by about 5% in the last two years, which leaves roughly 52,000 children vulnerable to vaccine-preventable illnesses like mumps, measles, chicken pox, polio and diphtheria. In Washtenaw, the percentage of toddlers (19-35 months) current on their recommended vaccinations has dropped about 4% from 2019-2022. Among adolescents 13-19 years in Washtenaw coverage is down 9%.
Consistent community support for routine vaccination is critical – perhaps more than ever. Take time to encourage vaccination and make sure everyone in Washtenaw catches up as soon as possible. This includes trusted community organizations and leaders as well as human service providers, health care professionals and specialists. Your voices matter and provide credibility and support. This is especially important when families have doubts about the recommended schedules, the importance of catching up or vaccinating kids with special health conditions.
Thank you for supporting our efforts. Together we can protect health and prevent unnecessary illness and outbreaks in Washtenaw County.