Only donate if we've informed you about important Michigan issues
See what new members are saying about why they donated to Bridge Michigan:
- “In order for this information to be accurate and unbiased it must be underwritten by its readers, not by special interests.” - Larry S.
- “Not many other media sources report on the topics Bridge does.” - Susan B.
- “Your journalism is outstanding and rare these days.” - Mark S.
If you want to ensure the future of nonpartisan, nonprofit Michigan journalism, please become a member today. You, too, will be asked why you donated and maybe we'll feature your quote next time!
Opinion | As families travel this spring, vaccines help keep kids healthy and in school
Share this:
Spring break is right around the corner. Across Michigan, families are packing suitcases, planning road trips and looking forward to a few days of rest and reconnection.
Travel broadens children’s worlds and can introduce them to new places and experiences. However, travel can also increase exposure to infectious diseases, including some that are entirely preventable.
This spring, measles is not just a distant headline. It’s an ongoing national concern. In 2025 alone, the United States reported over 2,000 confirmed measles cases and 49 outbreaks, with cases in nearly every state, including Michigan. Twelve percent of those infected were hospitalized, and three people — including two unvaccinated school-aged children in Texas — died. Measles is causing even more damage in 2026.
As of March 20, we have already seen over 1,400 cases across 31 states, and we recently saw our first measles outbreak of 2026 in Michigan. Most of these cases have been seen in people who were unvaccinated.
Measles cases continue to be reported across the country, and with families traveling over spring break, the risk of exposure increases. What happens elsewhere does not stay elsewhere. It can come home with us — sometimes into our schools and communities.
As an infectious diseases doctor, I have seen how quickly measles can spread; measles is one of the most contagious viruses known to man. It can remain in the air for up to two hours, and if a single individual has measles, nine out of 10 people exposed will become infected if they are not protected through vaccination or previous infection. In communities with lower immunization rates, outbreaks can grow rapidly, disrupting classrooms, straining local health departments and putting vulnerable residents at risk.
When children get sick, they don’t just miss school. They miss milestones. They miss auditions, concerts, tournaments and field trips. They miss the small but meaningful daily rituals that give them stability and connection. And once they fall behind, catching up can feel overwhelming, both academically and socially.
Measles is not a mild childhood illness. More than 1 in 10 people who contract measles require hospitalization. Complications can include pneumonia, brain swelling and seizures. Even after apparent recovery, measles can have lasting impacts on the immune system, leaving children vulnerable to other bacterial and viral infections. In rare cases, it can cause long-lasting harm, including permanent damage to the brain, deafness, blindness or even death.
In every Michigan classroom, there are students managing chronic conditions such as diabetes, sickle cell disease, Crohn’s disease or asthma. There are children undergoing cancer treatment or living with immune disorders, children who either can’t receive certain vaccines or who may not respond to vaccines. For them, exposure to measles or other preventable diseases can be life-threatening.
These students rely on community protection. High vaccination rates create a protective shield called community immunity that limits the spread of disease. When vaccination rates decline, that shield weakens, and our most vulnerable children are at greater risk of illness.
I understand that parents have questions. In today’s world, misinformation spreads quickly and can create confusion and fear. As a physician and parent, I know the instinct to pause and ensure you are making the best decisions for your child.
That’s why it’s important to turn to trusted, evidence-based sources. For Michigan families, IVaccinate.org offers clear answers about vaccine safety, ingredients and schedules.
As you prepare your checklist for travel this spring and summer, take a few minutes to check your child’s vaccination record. Talk with your health care provider about whether your child is up to date on recommended immunizations, including the measles, mumps and rubella vaccine.
It is also a good idea to check your own vaccination record as these diseases are making a comeback. Many of us received these vaccinations as children, but if you missed a dose, talk to your health care provider about getting a “catch-up” dose as an adult.
Vaccination is a powerful step Michigan families can take to protect not only their own children but students across our state. By staying up to date on immunizations, we can help keep children healthy, in school and focused on learning, and ensure that when they return from trips, they bring back memories, not measles.
Related
Bridge welcomes guest columns from a diverse range of people on issues relating to Michigan and its future. The views and assertions of these writers do not necessarily reflect those of Bridge or The Center for Michigan. Bridge does not endorse any individual guest commentary submission. If you are interested in submitting a guest commentary, email your submission or idea to guestcommentary@bridgemi.com. Click here for details and submission guidelines.