NEWS RELEASE
March 22, 1999

Engler Announces Midland, Isabella, Arenac, Clare, Gladwin, Osceola and Roscommon Counties Immunization Rate at 82.4%

Governor John Engler today recognized the Midland County Health Department and the Central Michigan District Health Department for their childhood immunization rates. The results of a Michigan Department of Community Health survey show that immunization levels for 19 to 35-month-old children in Midland, Isabella, Arenac, Clare, Gladwin, Osceola and Roscommon counties combined are 82.4 percent. Data from interviews of families and practitioners in each of the counties were combined to ensure a statistically valid sample.

"In 1991, the state immunization rate for children was a dismal 42 percent," said Engler. "We have been aggressive in our efforts to educate families on the life-saving importance of immunizations. Our success in immunizing children clearly means we are on the right path."

Michigan is the first state in the nation to implement a comprehensive statewide immunization registry that is accessible to all providers in both the public and the private sectors. The Michigan Childhood Immunization Registry will greatly assist in increasing the number of children who are immunized.

The registry is a network of regional systems that cover the entire state. Each arm of the network maintains a database of information that will give providers a child's vaccination history so they can determine what immunizations must still be delivered. It will also enable recall, which notifies parents when their child is due for another immunization so they can schedule an appointment to have it completed.

Parents are always encouraged to check each two-year-old's immunization record to make sure their child has had 3 doses of polio vaccine, 1 dose of a Measles, Mumps, Rubella vaccine (MMR) , and 4 doses of Diphtheria, Tetanus, Pertussis vaccine (DTP). In addition, hepatitis B vaccine, Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib) vaccine, and varicella vaccine are recommended for all children.

"With the continued grassroots efforts of the individuals in our communities, we've sets our sights on achieving and maintaining a goal of full immunization protection for all of our youngest children," said Michigan Department of Community Health Director James K. Haveman, Jr.