vaccination

61 percent don't know if they are a danger to their babies

Michigan Radio Newsroom — Mon, 17 Jun 2013 21:21:14 +0000

It might be embarrassing, but expecting mothers: it is ok to tell friends and family to be vaccinated before they see your baby.

Pertussis, or Whooping Cough as it is more commonly known, is at the highest level of outbreak in the past 50 years. Ann Arbor specifically, reports a high level of the disease in their schools.

So, why does this put your newborn in danger?

Confirmed flu cases down, health officials warn people to keep guard up anyway

Lindsey Smith — Tue, 15 Jan 2013 22:35:42 +0000

Maybe people are washing their hands and staying home when they’re sick. Maybe they’re not even going to the doctor’s office; toughing it out at home on the couch instead.

We don’t know why exactly, but the number of confirmed flu cases in Kent County this week dropped 43-percent from the week before. The number of people visiting the emergency room with flu-like symptoms has also decreased.

Statewide numbers are less dramatic, but also down from a peak in December.

Still...

“If you haven’t gotten a vaccination yet, get it,” Lisa LaPlant, a Kent County Health Department spokeswoman said. “There is a possibility that we could see resurgence of flu,” she adds.

Stateside: Entering flu season equipped with vaccination

Michigan Radio Newsroom — Tue, 08 Jan 2013 21:00:31 +0000

Flu vaccinations are invaluable for anyone aiming to stay healthy this winter.

Dr. Dean Sienko, Interim Chief Medical Executive for the Michigan Department of Community Health, stressed the importance of vaccinations.

“It looks like this is going to be one of our worst flu seasons in the past decade. The important thing is that citizens take this seriously.”

According to Sienko, only 20% of the Michigan population has been vaccinated. He recommended that almost everyone over six months of age receive a vaccination.

Flu season arrives early -- and it could be a bad one

Rina Miller — Fri, 14 Dec 2012 19:58:42 +0000

Michigan health officials say the flu has arrived in Michigan, and it's much earlier than usual.

The flu doesn't usually get a grip until January or February. But more than 30 cases have been reported so far in the state.

Angela Minicucci is with the Michigan Department of Community Health. She says it could be a nasty flu season, and with holiday family gatherings coming up, it's a good idea to get a flu shot now.

Do your school children have all their vaccinations?

Steve Carmody — Sun, 28 Aug 2011 20:05:40 +0000

It's the week to go before school doors open across Michigan. And along with school supplies, children need their required vaccinations.