NEWS RELEASE
March 23, 1999

Haveman Announces Jackson, Livingston, Lenawee and Monroe Counties Immunization Rate at 77.5%

Michigan Department of Community Health Director James K. Haveman, Jr., today announced immunization rates for the Jackson, Livingston, Lenawee and Monroe County Health Departments. The results of a Michigan Department of Community Health survey show that immunization levels for 19 to 35-month-old children in these counties combined are 77.5 percent. Data from interviews of families and practitioners in each of the counties were combined to ensure a statistically valid sample.

"We have come a long way from the days when Michigan's immunization rates were a dismal 42 percent, but there remains a great deal of work to be done" said Haveman. "We cannot rest in our efforts to protect more children from dangerous and preventable diseases."

"We are committed to working with local health departments and individuals in our communities, to achieve and maintain a goal of full immunization protection for all of our youngest children," said Haveman. Michigan's statewide immunization rate is 80%.

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.