What to know about vaccines and the new school year

CADILLAC - Michigan public health leaders are urging parents to ensure their children are up to date on all immunizations to protect against outbreaks of serious communicable diseases such as measles, mumps, pertussis, chickenpox and more as they return to classes.

Every year, vaccine-preventable disease outbreaks occur in schools. In addition to flu and COVID, Michigan schools have seen outbreaks of pertussis, measles and more in recent years.

Officials said this year is of particular concern, as vaccination rates for Michigan children 19 to 36 months have fallen below 70% in more than half of the state (51 of 83 counties), according to June 2024 data from the Michigan Care Improvement Registry.

Here’s what to know about getting vaccinated:

• Information on free vaccines for children program
• Identify which vaccines are right for your child based on age/need/etc.
• Information on required vaccines for kids to enter school in Michigan