Otter Tail County, MN (KBRF) –Otter Tail County Public Health is joining the Minnesota Department of Health in encouraging families to get children caught up on recommended vaccines.
Public health professionals in Otter Tail County are urging parents and caregivers to check their children’s immunization status and schedule any needed well-child visits. They say vaccines are one of the most effective tools in protecting children from serious illnesses such as measles, whooping cough, and polio.
“We understand life gets busy, but childhood immunizations are a simple, proven way to keep your child healthy,” said Jon Fransen, Public Health Nurse for Otter Tail County. “Vaccines protect not only the child who receives them, but the entire community, especially infants and those with compromised immune systems. Now is a perfect time to catch up if your child is behind.”
Recent data shows a decline in childhood immunization rates across Minnesota. In 2019, 69% of Minnesota 2-year-olds were up to date on their vaccines. According to the Minnesota Immunization Information Connection, that number had dropped to 63% by 2023.
