Drs. Klamo, Pruitt Support Vaccination Awareness Through Media Outreach Campaigns PDF Print Email
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Tuesday, December 17, 2024 01:02 PM

Drs. Klamo, Pruitt Support Vaccination Awareness Through Media Outreach Campaigns

Earlier this month MAFP President Rachel M. Klamo, DO, MS, FAAFP and Delicia Pruitt, MD,  MPH, FAAFP supported vaccination awareness through media outreach campaigns. Dr. Klamo participated in the U.S. Dept. of Health and Human Services “Risk Less. Do More.” campaign, aimed at increasing confidence in vaccines that protect against severe illness from flu, COVID-19, and RSV.

"This is the season for a lot of great things but it absolutely is the season for respiratory viruses," Dr. Klamo said. 

Dr. Klamo said any individual who is 6 months old or older should be vaccinated for COVID-19, Influenza and RSV. Those who are immunocompromised should also get a second immunization within six months of the first. The additional shot will strengthen and lengthen the impact of the vaccination, she said.

“These are serious illnesses and we have the ability to decrease transmission and severity of impact through vaccination,” said Dr. Klamo. 

On Dec. 5, Dr. Pruitt joined the Michigan Dept. of Health and Human Services “I Vaccinate” press conference to address the rise in pertussis (whooping cough) cases, which have surged to the highest levels in over a decade. She urged families to ensure their kids are up-to-date on all immunizations.

“Pertussis disease is a life-threatening disease, especially for babies. It starts off like a cold with mild symptoms but progresses to severe coughing fits that can last weeks to months,” said Dr. Pruitt. 

Michigan has already reported over 1,500 pertussis cases this year—more than double the average in pre-pandemic years. Infants under one year old are the most vulnerable, with over half requiring hospitalization due to severe complications. For more information on vaccination safety and evidence-based information visit hhs.gov/risk-less-do-more and ivaccinate.org

Thank you to WWMT-TV, Michigan Public Radio, WWJ Newsradio 950, WPHM-AM, WGVU-AM and WHTC-AM/FM for covering this important issue.