Tag Archives: Kent County Health Department

Immunization waivers appear to drop after new state guidelines

Area Education, Community Health, Education, Politics, ,

immunization bABYMichigan parents who wish to refuse immunization for their children can still do so, but the process got tougher this year. In the past, a waiver could be issued by a school secretary or a day care provider. But that led to a growing number of children who were not being vaccinated. Last year’s outbreak of whooping cough among children in Traverse City led to  school closings. This year is different.

Any parent or guardian who wishes to prevent their child from receiving required shots before entering school must schedule a waiver request appointment with their local county health department. Last year, the Kent County Health Department received nearly 1400 waiver notices  from schools and day care centers. This year by comparison,  says Immunization Program Supervisor Mary Wisinski, only 800 waiver appointments were scheduled. But despite fewer numbers,  the new law made a “big impact” on her office.

The waiver appointment lasts about 15 minutes to allow nurses to talk to parents or guardians about vaccines and the diseases they are intended to prevent. “And some of those people were very unhappy to be coming to the Kent County Health Department,” says Wisinksi. “Our 20 nurses really stepped up to the plate to handle the increased numbers.”

At the end of the session the parent or guardian must sign a form that states they understand the risk their child and others could face without vaccination. Wisinski says some parents ripped up the form rather than sign it. “The Center for Disease Control gave us training on how to conduct an immunization waiver appointment. It was a huge adjustment, but we think we changed some parents’ minds.” She noted that many parents are simply unaware of the science behind vaccinations. “We give them a handout on where to find information so they can access real research,” says Wisinksi.

immunizationParents who wish to avoid multiple doses of vaccine administered to the child all at once may elect to stretch out the vaccination process. “It may be a bit more painful for the child, but it makes the parent feel better,” says Wisinki.

After the waiver appointment concludes, parents take a waiver certificate back to their local school or day care center to get their child admitted. The final total of immunization waivers won’t be known until after official numbers are reported. Totals from child care centers is due as of October 1, but public schools do not report the numbers of waivers they issued until November 1. Wisinski estimates that over all, the numbers of people requesting waivers amounts to somewhere between 2% to 4% statewide.

To find out how many waivers are granted by Michigan school districts, check out the link below:

http://www.michigan.gov/documents/mdch/KIND_2014_Final_For_Website_483300_7.pdf

Dangerously Cold Weather Prompts Health Warnings

Our Cities, Senior Living, Weather,

by Kent County Emergency Management & Health Department

Arctic air is expected to blast into Kent County in the coming days, with the potential to bring record low temperatures and wind chills could reach -35 in the coming days. The Kent County Health Department and Kent County Emergency Management urge residents take every precaution possible with these extreme cold days and nights.

“Be aware of the conditions outdoors, even if you only plan on going outside for a few minutes,” said Jack Stewart, Kent County Emergency Management Coordinator. “Check on your family members, your friends, and your neighbors, especially those who are elderly. The cold can be especially harsh on young children, people with pre-existing medical conditions, and seniors.” Respiratory issues can occur from breathing in cold air, such as asthma attacks. Be sure children with asthma are wearing a scarf when outdoors, and if they appear to have trouble breathing, get them to a warm, sheltered area immediately.

“Frostbite sets in quick, especially in small pets and young children, when we see negative wind chills,” says Adam London, Administrative Health Officer of the Kent County Health Department. “If you are going outdoors, wear layers of light, warm clothing, mittens or gloves, hats, scarves, and waterproof boots. And keep a close eye on children.”

Symptoms of frostbite include redness, numbness or pain, white or grayish-yellow skin, or skin that feels unusually firm or waxy. Frostbite most often affects the extremities: nose, ears, cheeks, fingers, or toes. If the person appears to be very tired or lethargic, is having trouble breathing or talking, shivers or fumbles his or her hands, or seems confused, call 911 immediately. Try to keep the person warm until help arrives.

If driving in these conditions, make sure your car has more than enough gas to reach your destination. Keep a cell phone and phone charger in the car, and keep an emergency kit and blanket within your reach.

Keep pets indoors as much as possible. Make sure they are on a leash or in a fenced in area when they need to relieve themselves. The smaller the pet, the quicker the cold impacts them. Puppies and kittens are especially sensitive to the cold, as are older pets. Watch out for community cats that might crawl under the hood of your car to keep warm. Bang loudly on the hood before starting the car, and never leave pets in a car during the winter. Temperatures can be just as cold inside the car as they are outdoors.