Michigan health officials are urging parents and health care providers not to lose sight of long-standing medical guidance following a significant change to the federal childhood immunization schedule.
Earlier this week, federal health leaders approved updates to the U.S. childhood vaccine schedule that reduce the number of vaccines recommended for all children, shifting some shots into a category that calls for individual decision-making between families and doctors.
The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) responded by emphasizing that the science behind childhood vaccinations has not changed.
“For decades, vaccines have played a critical role in preventing infectious diseases and reducing serious illness and death among children,” the department said in a statement.
Michigan health leaders continue to recommend that families follow the immunization schedules developed by the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) and the American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP) — organizations that base their guidance on extensive scientific review and clinical experience.
MDHHS noted that families in Michigan should still be able to access the full range of childhood vaccines outlined in those schedules to protect children from serious and potentially life-threatening diseases.
The department also stressed that insurance coverage remains in place. Vaccines included on the federal schedule — even those moved into “shared clinical decision-making” — continue to be covered with no out-of-pocket cost under Affordable Care Act-regulated insurance plans, as well as Medicaid and the federal Vaccines for Children program.
Michigan’s Chief Medical Executive, Dr. Natasha Bagdasarian, acknowledged that the federal changes could create confusion for parents and health care providers, particularly when it comes to school vaccination requirements, clinic workflows and the use of combination vaccines.
“MDHHS will continue to provide clear, science-based guidance to help protect Michigan families,” Bagdasarian said.
State health officials say they will continue to monitor federal actions and communicate with providers and families as questions arise.
