LANSING — Michigan medical experts encouraged childhood vaccination Wednesday as the US experiences its worst measles outbreak in more than a quarter century.
The country has confirmed nearly 1,300 cases in the last six months, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Michigan has recorded 18 measles cases since the beginning of this year, including four in Grand Traverse County.
Out of the 18 infected, 17 were not vaccinated against the disease, according to the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services.
Dr. Josh Meyerson, medical director for the Health Department of Northwest Michigan, says that parents can ask their healthcare provider if they have concerns about vaccine safety.
“I think every family should have the opportunity to protect themselves and their loved ones from these diseases, because they can be serious,” he said. “And I recommend and stress the importance of staying up to date with the recommended vaccine schedules as the best way to protect all our children.”
State officials say that Michigan children have a 79% vaccination rate against measles — doctors suggest vaccination rates of more than 90% for communities to avoid outbreaks.
Veronica McNally, a vaccine activist who lost her infant daughter to whooping cough, encouraged parents to look into immunization sooner rather than later.
“I want parents to know that consensus exists that vaccines are safe and they are effective, and I want parents to know that the risk is real and that these are preventable diseases,” she said.
More information can be found with MDHHS and with the “I Vaccinate” campaign.