Vaccines are one of the most important and effective public health tools available to prevent a variety of diseases across the lifespan.
The National Foundation for Infectious Diseases recently released an issue brief summarizing the impact of COVID-19 on US vaccination rates. The report concluded vaccination rates across the country have dropped significantly, with demand plummeting as much as 95 percent for certain vaccines. This concerning decline puts both individuals and communities at risk for disease outbreaks.
Beginning September 1, 2021, a new Maine law will take effect that removes both philosophical and religious exemptions from the exceptions to school immunization requirements. No child will be permitted to attend school without evidence of immunization or proof of immunity against diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis, measles, mumps, rubella, polio, and varicella. Additionally, all students enrolled in grades 7-12 must be immunized against meningococcal disease.
Since it takes time to complete the immunization series, Mid Coast Hospital encourages parents to call their child’s primary care provider to set up a schedule to start receiving vaccines if your child is not up to date. To learn more about scheduling immunizations at Mid Coast Pediatrics, please call (207) 721-8333 or visit http://www.midcoasthealth.com/mcmg/primary-care/pediatrics.
Additionally, it is also important to consider COVID-19 vaccinations for eligible youth. Currently, the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccination is available to all individuals ages 12 and older. To learn more about COVID-19 vaccinations at Mid Coast Hospital, please visit www.midcoasthealth.com/vaccine.
Call your child's provider to review your vaccination record and create a catch-up plan. Additionally, the CDC has created several tools outlining recommended vaccine schedules for children and adults: www.cdc.gov/vaccines/schedules/index.html.
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