SAGINAW, Mich. –
Recent statistics reveal that an increasing number of parents are choosing vaccine waivers for their children, reaching the highest levels seen in over ten years. This trend is particularly concerning given the ongoing measles outbreaks across the nation.
In some counties within the TV5 viewing area, the rates of vaccine waivers for required immunizations are among the highest in Michigan. State law mandates that children must receive certain vaccines, including two doses for measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR), before entering kindergarten.
“About 20% of kids who contract measles end up hospitalized,” shared Natasha Bagdasarian, Michigan’s Chief Medical Executive and an expert in infectious diseases. Along with MMR, the vaccines for chickenpox and polio are also necessary.
“If there’s a chickenpox outbreak at a school, unvaccinated children can be kept out of school for at least 21 days after the last case. If numerous cases occur, that period can extend much longer. Keeping kids out of school isn’t ideal, but it’s how we manage outbreaks in under-vaccinated populations,” explained Catherine Bodnar, Medical Director for the Midland County Department of Public Health. “Vaccines can prevent diseases, and thanks to them, conditions like polio have become rare, unlike when I was a child.”
By seventh grade, students are legally required to have these vaccinations. Bagdasarian reiterates the importance of scheduling vaccinations at specific ages to optimize the immune response against these diseases.
However, parents can bypass these requirements if they obtain waivers. “Michigan has quite lenient waiver rules,” Bagdasarian noted. “These can be issued for medical, religious, or personal/philosophical reasons.” Waivers can be acquired from local health departments.
Historically, waiver rates hovered around 3% from 2015 to 2020. By 2021, this number increased to just over 4% and has continued to rise. For the upcoming 2024-2025 school year, the waiver rate surged to 6.2%, the highest since 2013.
“The increase we are witnessing typically relates to personal preferences,” Bodnar stated. “While I believe individuals have the right to make their own health decisions for their families, it’s troubling if they aren’t equipped with accurate information to make those choices,” Bagdasarian added.
Data from the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services shows a consistent rise in vaccine waivers throughout mid-Michigan over the last few years. Lapeer County currently tops the list with over 14% of its residents opting for waivers, followed by Huron County at around 11%.
“One challenge in public health is our past successes have made some diseases seem ‘forgotten.’ This lack of awareness can lead to complacency,” said Bagdasarian. “Measles was virtually eliminated by vaccinations; however, we are seeing a concerning rise in cases this year.”
More than 25 measles cases have been recorded in Michigan thus far. Bagdasarian expects this trend to continue if vaccination rates remain low, noting that measles is highly contagious.
The CDC maintains that a community achieves herd immunity when 95% of its members are vaccinated for MMR. “A single dose provides 93% immunity, while two doses raise that to 97%,” Bagdasarian mentioned, emphasizing that the vaccine helps prevent virtually all measles cases.
No county within the TV5 viewing area or statewide has reached the 95% vaccination threshold for 13 to 17-year-olds. Arenac and Gratiot counties are the closest, sitting at around 91%.
“By vaccinating, we not only protect children but also safeguard those in the community who can’t be vaccinated due to age or medical conditions,” noted Bodnar.
If there are questions about vaccines, both doctors suggest consulting a healthcare provider. “I’m sure my family is vaccinated, and my recommendations are not influenced by any financial interests, as I have no ties to pharmaceutical companies,” Bagdasarian asserted. “We advocate for vaccines purely for their life-saving potential.”
All U.S. states have vaccination requirements for school attendance, yet the specifics vary. Notably, Florida is considering eliminating all school vaccination mandates.
TV5 reached out to a local vaccine advocacy group, Michigan for Vaccine Choice, which declined an interview but shared their concerns regarding declining vaccination rates since the onset of Covid-19. They cite multiple factors, including skepticism about the Covid-19 vaccine’s efficacy and concerns over the ingredients in vaccines.
In contrast, they argue that while national waiver rates have hit an all-time high, they remain below 5%. In Michigan, waivers increased by 0.3% in the past year, particularly correlating with first-time kindergarten enrollments and transitions to seventh grade. There’s a call for greater awareness of how trust in public health has diminished, along with criticisms of current vaccination messaging.
