Governor Gretchen Whitmer is a lifelong Michigander. She is a lawyer, an educator, former prosecutor, State Representative and Senator. She was the first woman to lead a Senate caucus. But the most important title she boasts is MOM. Inspired by her family, she’s devoted her life to building a stronger Michigan for everyone.
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April 27, 2019
WHEREAS, giving babies the recommended immunizations by age two is the best way to protect them from 14 serious childhood diseases; and,
WHEREAS, currently, the United States has the safest vaccine supply in its history; and,
WHEREAS, vaccine-preventable diseases still circulate in the United States and around the world, so continued vaccination is necessary to protect everyone from potential outbreaks. Even when diseases are rare in the U.S., they can be brought into the country, putting unvaccinated children at risk; and,
WHEREAS, while most parents vaccinate their children, in Michigan in 2017, only 69.9 percent of children aged 19-36 months were up to date for the recommended vaccines, putting Michigan 29th in the nation for vaccination coverage; and,
WHEREAS, when people are unvaccinated, outbreaks of diseases like pertussis (whooping cough) and measles can—and do—return; and,
WHEREAS, in 2018, Michigan had the highest number of measles cases confirmed for the state since 1994 with 19 total cases. For 2019, Michigan has already confirmed more than 40 cases for the year; and,
WHEREAS, it is important to vaccinate children on time, according to the recommended childhood immunization schedule, to provide the best protection early in life, when babies are vulnerable and before they are likely to be exposed to diseases; and,
WHEREAS, since 1994, National Infant Immunization Week has encouraged parents, caregivers, and health care professionals to participate in educational, recognition, and media events to increase the awareness of the importance of immunizing children; and,
WHEREAS, Michigan has launched the I Vaccinate campaign in partnership with the Franny Strong Foundation to help parents find information and tools based on real medical science and research to help protect their kids; and,
WHEREAS, during this week, we join with the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services and organizations across the nation to encourage parents to make vaccinating their children a priority and to talk to family and friends about protecting their children with vaccines;
THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that I, Gretchen Whitmer, governor of Michigan, do hereby designate April 27-May 4, 2019, as Infant Immunization Week in Michigan and encourage parents, businesses, government agencies, community-based organizations, and service groups to spread the immunization message throughout their communities.