Minnesota Physicians Urge Back-to-School Prep to Include Vaccinations, Regardless of Where School is Held This Fall

July 22, 2020

Although it appears the 2020-2021 academic year will be unlike any other, one constant Minnesota physicians would like to see is that parents and caregivers practice good health by maintaining routine and back-to-school vaccinations for children and adolescents.

The Minnesota Medical Association (MMA), the Minnesota Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics (MNAAP) and the Minnesota Academy of Family Physicians (MAFP) have partnered to promote increasing immunization rates throughout the state to achieve community immunity.  

Minnesota physicians are concerned about the decrease in vaccinations among children during the COVID-19 pandemic. A recent membership survey conducted by MNAAP found an estimated 30 to 40 percent decrease in childhood vaccinations and 40 to 50 percent decrease in adolescent vaccinations since the beginning of the pandemic.

Vaccinations in Minnesota and across the country have decreased due to fears associated with seeking health care at a physician’s office or other medical clinics. Seventy percent of physicians cited the parental fear surrounding COVID-19 has prevented or delayed routine care or vaccinations in children.

“Physicians across Minnesota are urging caregivers not to delay childhood and adolescent vaccinations for the health and safety of their children, families and the community,” said Keith Stelter, MD, MMA president. “As back-to-school planning is underway and certain restrictions are hopefully being lifted, it is more important than ever to ensure vaccinations are up to date to protect your children and community. Health care clinics are open and doing their part to ensure a safe, secure and healthy environment for patients.”

The MMA, the MAFP, the MNAAP and their members believe all children and adolescents should be vaccinated, except for those who cannot be due to medical reasons. Widespread, high rates of vaccination, also known as “community immunity,” protect the most vulnerable, including newborns, those with cancer and other conditions that impair their immune system and elderly adults. The safety of vaccines has been overwhelmingly established through decades of research and study.

"Vaccines work," said Andrew Slattengren, DO, FAAFP, MAFP president. "They are a safe, effective way to protect our children, families and communities from preventable diseases and death. Your doctors and clinics are ready to make sure your kids catch up on necessary immunizations in a safe environment."

“Telehealth works well for follow-up appointments and routine checkups that can be done without an in-person visit; however, physicians and pediatricians cannot safely practice all routine care and vaccinations via telehealth,” said Sheldon Berkowitz, MD, FAAP, MNAAP president. “It is crucial caregivers bring their children to medical clinics for that care. We are prepared to safely take care of patients and children, provide vaccinations, and maintain the recommended schedule of preventive and routine care.”

The MMA, the MAFP and MNAAP strongly encourage all Minnesota caregivers to maintain routine care. It is safe to return to your health care provider for routine care, chronic care and scheduled vaccinations. Continue with telehealth and virtual appointments when advised by a physician.
 

###

More About Practice Good Health
The MMA recently launched Practice Good Health, a unified effort of its 10,000 physician members to empower Minnesota families to proactively care for their physical and emotional well-being, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic. Practice Good Health provides patient clarity and directly supports Minnesota physicians to create the safest possible care environments and experiences.

Join the conversation online via Facebook and Twitter and share ways to #PracticeGoodHealth. Resources will be available and will be regularly updated on mmed.org/PracticeGoodHealth.

About the Minnesota Medical Association (MMA)
The Minnesota Medical Association is a non-profit professional association representing physicians, residents and medical students. With more than 10,000 members, the MMA is dedicated to being the leading voice of medicine to make Minnesota the healthiest state and the best place to practice.   

About the Minnesota Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics (MNAAP)
A leading voice on children’s health and well-being in Minnesota, MNAAP represents more than 1,000 pediatricians, pediatric providers and pediatric trainees.  

About the Minnesota Academy of Family Physicians (MAFP)
The Minnesota Academy of Family Physicians (MAFP) is the largest medical specialty organization in Minnesota, representing more than 3,100 family physicians, family medicine residents and medical students. The MAFP promotes the specialty of family medicine in Minnesota and supports family physicians as they provide high quality, comprehensive and continuous medical care for patients of all ages.