The Berrien County Health Department is hoping to clear up confusion regarding the latest vaccination recommendations following a meeting of the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices, or ACIP, this week.
County Health Officer Guy Miller tells us the body updated recommendations for the MMRV vaccine, which is for measles, mumps, rubella, and chicken pox. He says the federal government’s guidance is that the combined shot should not be given as the first dose in children 12-15 months old. However, Miller says that really doesn’t change much.
“Really, this is what the Berrien County Health Department has been practicing since 2010 when the immunizations came out,” Miller said. “If it’s a first-time immunization and it’s between that 12 to 15-month age range, we’ve provided two separate vaccines, two separate pokes.”
Miller says the overall recommendation remains that parents should have their children vaccinated because while some vaccines come with some risks, the benefits are far greater than the drawbacks.
As for COVID vaccines, Miller says there is some discrepancy between federal and state recommendations. The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services continues recommending the shot for everyone over six months of age and announced this week anyone over six months who has not received the vaccine is now considered at-risk and is therefore allowed to have it.
Miller says what you’re allowed may depend on which provider you seek the vaccine from.
