Immunizations

Immunizations have had a tremendous impact on improving the health of children and adults in the United States. Vaccine preventable disease such as whooping cough and measles are commonly thought to be a thing of the past. Unfortunately, this is not true and the need to immunize on time with all recommended vaccines continues to persist. Today, safe and effective vaccines are available to protect against chicken pox, diphtheria, influenza, hepatitis A and B, human papillomavirus, measles, meningitis, mumps, and pertussis; all disease that children, adolescents, and adults may be exposed to.

Vaccination is one of the best way parents can protect infants, children and teens from harmful diseases. Vaccine-preventable diseases can be very serious, may require hospitalization, or even be deadly – especially in infants and young children. Children who are not immunized are at risk for diseases which can sometimes be fatal. Children should receive most of their vaccinations by the time they are 18 months old, with additional vaccinations required before going to kindergarten.

Adolescents need vaccinations again at 11-12 years of age and boosters at age 16-28. It is important that both children and adolescents are fully immunized to be protected from disease. If your child or teen has missed one or more doses of vaccine, it is never too late to catch up.

While most people think immunizations are just for children and adolescents, immunizations are also important for adults. Adults should receive at least one booster dose of tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis and may need additional vaccinations based on their age, disease risks and health status, e.g., shingles vaccine, hepatitis A or B, or pneumonia vaccines.

Immunizations do not have to be expensive. The Ionia County Department of Public Health (ICHD) participates in the Vaccines for Children Program which provides vaccines to children who have no health insurance, are on Medicaid or have insurance that does not cover any part of the cost of vaccines. ICHD also participates in special vaccine programs for adults 19 years of age and older that are uninsured or under-insured. An administrative fee is charged with each vaccine given. However, this fee may be waived depending on ability to pay. Many insurance plans cover routine immunizations. The Health Department bills Medicaid, Blue Cross, Priority Health, and Medicare Part D.

If you have questions, contact us at 616-527-5341.

• Please bring a record of past immunizations
• If someone other than a parent or guardian brings a child under 18 years of age, you will need to print and fill out the ICHD Consent to Immunize form and have them bring it along with them.
• Administration fees are accepted in cash or check only, NO DEBIT OR CREDIT CARDS
• Ionia County Health Department Privacy Policy

Recommended Immunization Schedules

• Birth – 6 Years Old
• 7 – 18 Years Old
• 19 Years or Older
• Pregnant Women

Immunization Resources

For more information regarding immunizations schedules, the following links are provided for you.

• Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia
• American Academy of Pediatrics
• AAFP Immunizations & Vaccine
• ACOG Maternal Immunization Guidance

Immunization Waivers

In the State of Michigan, proof of vaccination or a vaccine waiver is REQUIRED for all students when entering Kindergarten, 7th grade, new to the school district they will be attending, and those entering some childcare facilities and preschools. For a medically indicated vaccine waiver, you must see your child’s doctor to complete. ICHD only handles the non-medical vaccine waivers.

The process for obtaining a non-medical vaccine waiver at ICHD has been updated. The ICHD vaccine waiver is now a hybrid model. Please follow the steps below:

• Visit the Ionia County MIWAIV Portal
  • Register and create a family account
  • Enter all the eligible children in your family – Kindergarten, 7th grade, new to the school district they will be attending, and those entering some childcare facilities and preschools.
• Complete all the listed education Modules
• Print off a copy of the certificate of completion – all eligible children selected for this waiver will be listed on the same certificate (This is NOT your waiver).
• Call the ICHD Immunization Clinic at 616-527-5341 (Select Option 3) to
  • schedule a 15–30-minute appointment to ask a nurse your vaccine questions, OR
  • schedule a 15–30-minute appointment to obtain some or all of your child’s vaccines, OR
  • schedule a 5–10-minute appointment to sign your child’s waiver. (Please bring your certificate with you to this appointment – can also show it on your phone).
• After the waiver is signed, it will be entered into your child’s MCIR record and available for your school/daycare to access. (No paper copy is needed).