Ruling in Michigan significantly reduces nonmedical vaccine waivers

Preliminary data showed that an administrative rule in Michigan, requiring parents to meet with health officials before receiving a nonmedical vaccine waiver, significantly reduced statewide exemptions by 39%, according to a press release.

“This improvement in our vaccination coverage rates means that more kids are protected from outbreaks and serious vaccine-preventable diseases,” Eden V. Wells, MD, MPH, chief medical executive for the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services, said in the press release. “Unfortunately we have not eradicated some very serious diseases that affect children and adults alike. We continue to see outbreaks of pertussis and chickenpox in areas of Michigan as well as nationwide.”

Eden V. Wells

In 2014, Michigan’s Joint Committee on Administrative Rules approved the rule in response to an alarming number of nonmedical waivers for schoolchildren within the state. Michigan previously ranked sixth among states with the highest immunization waiver rates, with more than 5% of all kindergarteners lacking required vaccinations.

The ruling, which went into effect on Jan 1, 2015, requires parents to meet with a local health official about vaccines and the diseases they prevent, and sign a form, acknowledging they are putting their children and others at risk. All children entering kindergarten, seventh grade and students changing schools are required to be up-to-date on all recommended vaccines.

According to the release, the rule has reduced submission of nonmedical waivers by 39%, translating to about 8,000 fewer waivers. Preliminary data showed the kindergarten waiver rate has dropped from 5.18% in 2014 to 3.32% in 2015. Further, the waiver rate for seventh graders fell from 4.55% to 2.78%, while the new student waiver rate has decreased from 4.28% to 2.47%.

“By ensuring that parents have the opportunity to address and discuss concerns with their local health department, we’re providing parents with knowledge they can use when making a decision about vaccinating their child,” Nick Lyon, director of the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services, said in the release.