Michigan doctors urge vaccination as measles cases hit national record

• Michigan reported a second measles outbreak and is currently at 18 reported cases
• Measles just hit a record high in the US, 25 years after the disease was considered eliminated
• An inconsistent federal message on vaccines has led to patient confusion and concern

The nation just hit a grim record for measles — the highest number of cases in 33 years. Michigan doctors are urging parents to vaccinate their kids to prevent more outbreaks. 

The US declared the vaccine-preventable disease eliminated in 2000, but 1,288 measles cases have been reported this year. Michigan has 18 confirmed cases, including outbreaks — meaning three or more related cases — in Montcalm County in April and in Grand Traverse County in June. 

Ninety-two percent of measles cases nationwide are of unvaccinated individuals or those with an unreported vaccine status. 

“There's some confusion and changes going on in the federal level when it comes to vaccine recommendations, but the state of Michigan is holding firm to following evidence-based strong, data-supported recommendations to keep our kids and communities safe,” Dr. Pamela Rockwell, a family physician and chair of the Michigan Advisory Committee on Immunizations, said at a media briefing Wednesday. 

Michigan has reported a 79% coverage rate for MMR (measles, mumps and rubella) vaccinations in children 19 to 35 months old. To prevent outbreaks, about 95% coverage is needed in a given population, according to Ryan Malosh, director of the Division of Immunization at the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services. 

The disease is particularly dangerous to young children. Symptoms include a rash, red spots in the mouth and flu-like symptoms. Measles is airborne and very contagious, but the vaccine is considered extremely effective, providing 97% protection after two doses, according to the CDC.

Michigan is also experiencing a spike in pertussis, or whooping cough, another vaccine-preventable disease. Michigan has reported 855 cases of pertussis this year, including 152 in children under 2 years old. So far, 27 children in Michigan have been hospitalized for whooping cough this year. 

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Dr. Joshua Meyerson, pediatrician and medical director for the Health Department of Northwest Michigan, said schools or communities with lower immunization rates are where he’s seen the largest outbreaks of measles. 

“Parents are concerned about their child's risks of being exposed and getting sick, especially and more so in their infants who are too young to be protected by the vaccine, and in those who have underlying medical conditions that make them particularly vulnerable,” Meyerson said.

‘Misinformation is widely disseminated’

Rockwell said misinformation is the number one reason she believes people aren’t vaccinating.

“Misinformation is widely disseminated, not only on social media, but unfortunately now by top government officials,” Rockwell said “Unfortunately, there are many, many websites that appear credible. They appear to cite credible sources, and they're not.” 

The rise in cases comes at a time when US Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., a longtime vaccine critic, has scaled back vaccine recommendations. In May, Kennedy asked the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to develop new guidance on alternative measles treatments such as vitamins. The following month, he fired all 17 members of the CDC’s vaccine advisory panel. His new, eight-member panel includes a scientist who has criticized COVID-19 vaccines. 

The American Academy of Pediatrics and other medical organizations sued Kennedy Monday over changes to COVID-19 vaccination requirements for pregnant women and children. 

Patient concerns

Rockwell said her patients are concerned they won’t be able to get vaccines in the future due to federal changes. 

“Many patients have questions and they're very concerned that they're not going to be able to get vaccines,” Rockwell said. “That is the majority of my patient population, concerned that either the vaccine may not be available or the insurance won't cover it.”  

A survey conducted in May by the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services found that nearly 84% of parents believe childhood vaccinations are very or extremely important. The survey used a state-level sample of 842 Michigan parents with at least one child under age 6. 

Not getting vaccinated doesn’t just affect the individual, but can put vulnerable communities at risk, according to Meyerson. 

“If you have pertussis, you might be sick for a month, but you'll get over it,” Meyerson said. “But who's going to get it from you? That's when we're concerned, when you start seeing it circulate is, do you have pregnant women in that community? Do you have young infants in that community?”

In response to parents concerned they may lose access to vaccines, Malosh said the MDHHS Division of Immunization will make sure vaccines remain available.

“In terms of access, that is a major priority for the Division of Immunization at MDHHS is to ensure that there is access to a vaccine for any parent in Michigan who wants to get it for their child, for any person who wants to get vaccinated in any capacity,” Malosh said. 

Where to find help, information

Michigan residents can find a vaccine provider here by entering their ZIP code, or contact their local health department. Visit this site for updates on measles cases in Michigan.