Michigan’s Chief Medical Executive Natasha Bagdasarian, MD, issued a Standing Recommendation Dec. 18 encouraging healthcare providers to follow the children’s immunization schedules developed by the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) or the American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP).
Dr. Bagdasarian noted that the AAP and AAFP vaccine schedules are evidence-based and support the prevention of infectious diseases. Historically, Michigan providers have referred to vaccine schedules issued by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Advisory Committee (ACIP) on Immunization Practices for both children and adults. However, recent changes to ACIP membership and recommendations that are not evidence-based, such as discontinuing the birth dose of the hepatitis B vaccine, prompted the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) to recommend alternative guidance.
MDHHS emphasized that following AAP or AAFP vaccine schedules will help ensure the safety and wellbeing of children across the state.
Clinical leaders from the Michigan Children’s Hospital Collaborative and the Michigan chapter of the AAP expressed strong support for the recommendation. The Children’s Hospital Collaborative stated that vaccine-preventable diseases can have devastating effects on infants and young children and underscored the importance of guidance rooted in rigorous, up-to-date scientific evidence. Clinical leaders noted that adherence to the AAP’s child and adolescent immunization schedule will allow Michigan providers to confidently administer safe and effective vaccines, reduce preventable hospitalizations and protect children.
Vaccines remain a primary tool for the prevention and control of infectious diseases, and the MHA supports Dr. Bagdasarian’s standing recommendation to follow the AAP and AAFP immunization schedules as evidence-based guidance that promotes the health and wellbeing of children across Michigan. More information is available on the MDHHS Immunization Recommendations for Michigan webpage.
Members with questions should contact Kelsey Ostergren at the MHA.