BHSJ Urges Families to Immunize Infants and Children
Tuesday May 14, 2019
Routine childhood immunizations protect children from 14 vaccine-preventable diseases by the age of one.
The Branch-Hillsdale-St. Joseph Community Health Agency is urging tri-county residents to ensure their children are fully vaccinated on time for the best possible protection from these serious diseases. Vaccination is one of the most successful and cost-effective public health achievements. Globally, vaccinations prevent 2 to 3 million deaths each year.
The WHO included vaccine hesitancy as one of the top 10 threats to global health in 2019. Pockets of low vaccination coverage have allowed diseases like measles to make a resurgence in countries where it had previously been eliminated. The U.S. has been experiencing multiple measles outbreaks in 2019, including one in Michigan. As of April 17, Michigan has had 43 cases of measles confirmed, the most cases in a year since 1991.
“Now more than ever, it is important to make sure everyone, especially infants and children, are up-to-date on all recommended immunizations,” says Yvonne Atwood, Director of Personal Health and Disease Prevention at the Community Health Agency. “Vaccines are safe and effective, and the best way to protect yourself against diseases like measles, hepatitis A, whooping cough and influenza.”
The Branch-Hillsdale-St. Joseph Community Health Agency offers free vaccinations to qualifying families with children age 18 or younger through the Vaccines for Children (VFC) program. This program is for children who are not insured or whose insurance does not cover immunizations. To get your vaccines from the Branch-Hillsdale-St. Joseph Community Health Agency, please call your local office and schedule an appointment as soon as possible.
Branch County: Monday Immunization clinics – call 517-279-9561 ext. 100
Hillsdale County: Wednesday Immunization clinics – call 517-437-7395 ext. 336
St. Joseph County: Tuesday Immunization clinics – 269-273-2161 ext. 208
The Branch-Hillsdale-St. Joseph Community Health Agency is committed to promoting wellness, preventing disease, providing health care, and protecting the environment.