People, particularly babies and youth (ages 0-17), receive immunizations on a schedule. Immunizations can prevent many serious childhood diseases, such as polio, measles, and whooping cough. Since the introduction of immunizations, the rates of many diseases have declined by 95-100%. Even though many vaccine-preventable diseases are less common today, disease outbreaks can happen when people don’t receive immunizations.
For instance, measles was declared eliminated in the U.S. in 2000 due to the widespread use of the measles mumps, rubella (MMR) vaccine. In recent years, measles cases have increased as the number of people receiving routine childhood vaccination has declined. On-time immunizations throughout childhood are essential to building immunity in children before they are potentially exposed to these preventable diseases.
To help discuss the importance of childhood immunizations with communities and families, UIHI created Magical Millie’s Courageous Journey, a story and coloring book written by UIHI’s former youth intern and Abigail Echo-Hawk (Pawnee); illustrated by Megan McDermott (Little Shell Chippewa). The story follows Millie, a magical unicorn, as she finds courage and strength through conversations with family and Elders to get vaccinated and protect herself and her community.
Toolkit
Want to promote pediatric immunization in your area? Check out UIHI’s Magical Millie Toolkit for resources, templates, and products to share in your community.
