The Michigan AAP reflects on challenges, progress that have defined the past two years for children and families.

Lansing, MI – Today, the Michigan Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics released the following statement regarding the second anniversary of the COVID-19 pandemic:

The second anniversary of the pandemic comes at the tail end of the Omicron variant wave, which infected more children than any previous wave of the virus. Since the outset of the COVID-19 pandemic, Michigan has recorded 480,000 pediatric COVID cases, with 12.7 million cumulative cases nationwide.

Michigan pediatricians continue to strongly recommend all eligible children receive vaccination against COVID-19. Even if a child has been previously infected, vaccination ensures they have the strongest immune response possible to future exposure. For any questions regarding immunization against COVID-19, MIAAP encourages families to reach out to their pediatrician. Parents can also find more information on HealthyChildren.org. In Michigan 27.5 % of children ages 5-11 have received at least 1 dose of the COVID-19 vaccine, and 48.27% of children and teens ages 12 to 15 have received at least 1 dose.

“As we approach the two year anniversary of COVID-19, it is important that even as we see COVID numbers decrease, we work diligently as a community, to close the gap on Michigan’s children who still need to get the COVID-19 vaccine,” says Dr. Matthew Hornik, MIAAP President. “Vaccinating our children and youth is the safest way to protect the community and prevent the reoccurrence of COVID-19 moving forward.”

The Michigan Chapter American Academy of Pediatrics is a nonprofit professional organization of more than 1600 Michigan pediatricians, dedicated to the optimal physical, mental and social health for all infants, children, adolescents and young adults.