Minnesota vaccination rates are frighteningly low

Minnesota vaccination rates are frighteningly low.

By GAYLE KELLY

August 11, 2011 at 3:39PM
A nurse vaccinates a scared little girl.
A nurse vaccinates a scared little girl. (Star Tribune/The Minnesota Star Tribune)

With July behind us, Minnesota families are wrapping up the glory days of summer and heading out to collect back-to-school supplies. At the top of their to-do lists, however, should be childhood immunizations.

Minnesota child vaccination rates are frighteningly low. Almost 60 percent of Minnesota children ages 24 to 35 months have not had all recommended vaccines.

In fact, Minnesota experienced a measles outbreak this spring that affected 20 people who had not been vaccinated or were too young to be vaccinated. The outbreak originated from an unvaccinated child.

As the executive director of the Minnesota Head Start Association, I understand the importance of ensuring that the 15,000 children enrolled in our programs are fully immunized. Part of our comprehensive approach to family and child development services is encouraging families to vaccinate children on time and on schedule.

We tell families that getting their children vaccinated is as important as snapping them into car seats. Families absolutely must recognize that unvaccinated children are susceptible to potentially fatal but preventable diseases, and can also put the health of others at risk.

Fortunately, there are a range of opportunities and locations for Minnesotans to get their children immunized. In addition to doctor's offices and hospitals, most clinics are part of a program called Minnesota Vaccines for Children, which covers the cost of the vaccine.

Getting shots at the right ages is important, but it is never too late to catch up. For a full schedule of vaccinations under state vaccination law, Minnesotans may visit www.health.state.mn.us/divs/idepc/immunize/laws/index.html or call the Minnesota Department of Health at 800-657-3970.

Immunization is commonly regarded as one of the greatest success stories in public health. Moms, dads, grandparents and caregivers: Please add immunizations to your back-to-school to-do list; it is the most important item to check off.

Gayle Kelly is executive director of the Minnesota Head Start Association.

about the writer

about the writer

GAYLE KELLY