With back-to-school time occurring in August, the Michigan Department of Community Health (MDCH) strongly encourages infants, children, college students, and adults to see their family doctor to update their immunizations.

"Vaccines are one of public health's greatest triumphs," said Janet Olszewski, MDCH Director. "With the exception of safe water, no other health strategy – not even antibiotics – has had such a tremendous effect on reducing disease and improving health. This month, we are encouraging every Michigan citizen to visit their family physician and update your vaccinations."

Vaccine-preventable diseases and deaths still occur in the U.S, affecting children, adolescents and adults. Pneumococcal disease – for example – still causes thousands of deaths and 175,000 hospitalizations each year in the United States alone. Together, pneumonia and influenza are the seventh leading cause of death in the United States, and the sixth leading cause of death among people 65 years of age and older.

Disease outbreaks occur when immunization rates decline. For example, from 1989 through 1991, low rates of measles, mumps and rubella immunization among pre-school aged children resulted in a measles epidemic that caused more than 55,000 cases and 120 deaths.

Chickenpox is widespread in America, and virtually everyone who is not vaccinated or who has not had the disease is at increased risk for contracting chickenpox in adulthood. The risk of complications and death from chickenpox can be up to 10 to 20 times greater for adults than children.

About 2,600 people get meningococcal disease each year in the United States. Ten to 15 percent of these people die, in spite of treatment with antibiotics. Of those who live, another 11 to 15 percent of them lose their arms or legs, become deaf, have problems with their brain and nervous systems, or suffer seizures or strokes. The proportion of cases among adolescents and young adults also has increased in recent years.

"Immunization is a lifelong, life-protecting community effort," said Dr. Dean Sienko, acting state Chief Medical Executive. "Recommended vaccinations begin at birth and should continue throughout life. By protecting ourselves – and our families with recommended vaccines – we also protect those around us who would otherwise be exposed to vaccine-preventable diseases."

For more immunization information, click here.