April 5, 2005

As part of National Public Health Week, the Michigan Department of Community Health (MDCH) is promoting awareness of a different public health issue each day this week.

Today’s information focuses on the importance of proper immunization. Childhood Immunization Day highlights the importance of having your child vaccinated.

Immunization is proven to be one of the most effective ways of preventing disease. The level of vaccine-preventable disease reported has been reduced by more than 99 percent since the introduction of vaccines.

“Proper vaccination is an issue often overlooked but vitally important to the health and safety of our kids,” said Dr. Kimberlydawn Wisdom, Michigan Surgeon General.

Vaccinating your child can prevent up to 11 diseases, including diphtheria, measles, tetanus, whooping cough, polio, mumps, rubella, hib meningitis, hepatitis B and chicken pox. If your child is not up to date on their immunizations, please visit your local health department.

“Michigan has made great strides to ensure that our youngest citizens get the immunizations they need,” said Janet Olszewski, MDCH Director. “By instituting the Michigan’s Childhood Immunization Registry (MCIR) - a computerized shot record for Michigan children - health care providers are better equipped to care for your kids.”

For more information on immunizations, please visit www.mcir.org, www.cdc.gov/nip, www.michigan.gov/mdch or contact the MDCH Division of Immunization at (517) 335-8159.

National Public Health Week 2005 is about empowering Americans to live stronger, longer. Each day will focus and promote awareness of a different public health related issue.

Informational events as well as free health assessments will be taking place across the state throughout the week. Additional information on Public Health Week can be found at www.michigan.gov/mdch or www.apha.org/nphw.