According to the Michigan Department of Health & Human Services and the CDC, fewer children in the state are currently up to date on their routine vaccinations. The reason for this shortfall? Safety fears related to COVID-19.
“During this pandemic, it’s especially important to protect yourself and your children against vaccine-preventable diseases,” said Dr. Betsy Beckman, a pediatrician with Holland Hospital Family Medicine – Douglas. “Our health care providers have implemented new procedures for kids to safely come in for well visits and get caught up on their needed vaccinations.”
Children who are not protected by vaccines are more likely to contract diseases like measles, whooping cough and influenza. “Many schools closed last winter due to flu outbreaks, and with coronavirus, I anticipate schools will be even more likely to close this year based on illness,” Dr. Beckman said. “The best way to prevent the flu is to be vaccinated against it. Everyone six months and older should receive a flu shot every year, and remember, it’s never too late in the season to benefit from an updated vaccine.”
Your Child’s Safety is Our Priority
Holland Hospital Pediatrics & Internal Medicine is taking steps to ensure safety and peace of mind during well-child visits, including:
- Offering remote check-in. To reduce the number of people in waiting areas, parents check in remotely with their phone and remain in their vehicle with their child until it’s time for his/her appointment.
- Scheduling well-child visits and sick visits during different times of the day.
- Limiting the number of people who can accompany children for visits.
- Requiring all patients and parents/guardians to wear a face mask.
“COVID-19 is a critical reminder of just how valuable vaccines are,” Dr. Beckman said. “Without protection from vaccines, diseases spread quickly and can have serious health consequences.”
5 Reasons to Vaccinate
- Immunizations save lives. Thanks to vaccines, diseases like Polio that once caused serious harm to or killed thousands of children have now been eliminated or are close to extinction.
- Immunizations are safe and effective. Vaccines are only approved for medical use after stringent review by doctors, scientists and other health care professionals. Before vaccines are licensed, the FDA requires extensive testing. In the majority of cases, vaccines have no side effects, or only cause mild reactions like fever or soreness at the injection site.
- Immunizations also save you green. Certain vaccine-preventable illnesses can cause prolonged disabilities, lost time at work and/or school, and big medical bills due to the need for ongoing care. Vaccines are covered by insurance. If you don’t have insurance, Holland Hospital can help.
- Immunizations safeguard us all. To keep those who may be at higher risk of vaccine-preventable diseases (such as babies who are too young to be immunized and those with known severe allergies or weakened immune systems), it’s vital for parents and their children to be fully vaccinated.
- Immunization helps future generations. With complete vaccination, some current diseases may no longer negatively impact people in the future. Consider smallpox as one powerful example from our past.
Learn More
For recommended immunizations by age, visit the CDC or American Academy of Pediatrics websites.
In your neighborhood and close to home, Holland Hospital’s pediatric, family and internal medicine specialists are focused on your health and wellness—delivering experienced and compassionate care for the entire family.