Michigan wants kids caught up on vaccines after pandemic dip

LANSING, Mich. (AP) - (7/11/20) - Michigan’s health department is urging that children be caught up on their vaccines as soon as possible after a drop in immunizations due to the cancellation of appointments during the coronavirus pandemic.

The percentage of 5-month-olds fully up to date on recommended vaccines was less than half in May, down from about two-thirds in recent years. Vaccination coverage declined in almost every other milestone age cohort.

Dr. Joneigh Khaldun, Michigan’s chief medical executive, says it’s concerning children are behind. The pandemic-related drop comes as health experts sound alarms about a slight dip in vaccination rates over the past two years.