Leelanau Family Practice

11/20/2025

11/20/2025

Something is deeply broken inside the CDC, and the agency’s newly revised autism and vaccine page is the clearest evidence yet.

11/20/2025

https://www.who.int/news/item/24-09-2025-who-statement-on-autism-related-issues

extensive evidence base exists showing childhood vaccines do not cause autism. Large, high-quality studies from many countries have all reached the same conclusion. Original studies suggesting a link were flawed and have been discredited. Since 1999, independent experts advising WHO have repeatedly confirmed that vaccines—including those with thiomersal or aluminum—do not cause autism or other developmental disorders.

Childhood vaccine schedules are developed through a careful, extensive and evidence-based process involving global experts and country input. The childhood immunization schedule, carefully guided by WHO, has been adopted by all countries, and has saved at least 154 million lives over the past 50 years. The schedule remains essential for the health and wellbeing of every child and every community. These schedules have continually evolved with science and now safeguard children, adolescents and adults against 30 infectious diseases.

Every vaccine recommendation by the Strategic Advisory Group of Experts on Immunization (SAGE), an independent advisory group to WHO, is grounded in rigorous review of evidence and carefully designed to offer the best protection against serious diseases and to be delivered when most needed.

When immunization schedules are delayed or disrupted, or altered without evidence review, there is a sharp increase in the risk of infection not only for the child, but also for the wider community. Infants too young to be vaccinated and people with weakened immune systems or underlying health conditions are at greatest risk.

WHO is committed to advancing this goal working together with partners including autistic-led organizations and other organizations representing persons with lived experience. WHO also stands with people who are living with autism and their families, a dignified community entitled to evidence-based considerations free of stigma.

11/20/2025

WHO statement on autism-related issues

24 September 2025 Statement Reading time: 2 min (502 words)
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The World Health Organization (WHO) emphasizes that there is currently no conclusive scientific evidence confirming a possible link between autism and use of acetaminophen (also known as paracetamol) during pregnancy.

Globally, nearly 62 million people (1 in 127) have autism spectrum disorder, a diverse group of conditions related to development of the brain. Although awareness and diagnosis have improved in recent years, the exact causes of autism have not been established, and it is understood there are multiple factors that can be involved.

Extensive research has been undertaken over the past decade, including large-scale studies, looking into links between acetaminophen use during pregnancy and autism. At this time, no consistent association has been established.

WHO recommends that all women continue to follow advice of their doctors or health workers, who can help assess individual circumstances and recommend necessary medicines. Any medicine should be used with caution during pregnancy, especially in the first three months, and in line with advice from health professionals.

Also, a robust, extensive evidence base exists showing childhood vaccines do not cause autism. Large, high-quality studies from many countries have all reached the same conclusion. Original studies suggesting a link were flawed and have been discredited. Since 1999, independent experts advising WHO have repeatedly confirmed that vaccines—including those with thiomersal or aluminum—do not cause autism or other developmental disorders.

Childhood vaccine schedules are developed through a careful, extensive and evidence-based process involving global experts and country input. The childhood immunization schedule, carefully guided by WHO, has been adopted by all countries, and has saved at least 154 million lives over the past 50 years. The schedule remains essential for the health and wellbeing of every child and every community. These schedules have continually evolved with science and now safeguard children, adolescents and adults against 30 infectious diseases.

Every vaccine recommendation by the Strategic Advisory Group of Experts on Immunization (SAGE), an independent advisory group to WHO, is grounded in rigorous review of evidence and carefully designed to offer the best protection against serious diseases and to be delivered when most needed.

When immunization schedules are delayed or disrupted, or altered without evidence review, there is a sharp increase in the risk of infection not only for the child, but also for the wider community. Infants too young to be vaccinated and people with weakened immune systems or underlying health conditions are at greatest risk.

Autism and neurodevelopmental disorders are among priority mental health and neurological conditions being discussed at the 4th UN High-Level Meeting on NCDs and mental health this Thursday, 25 September. As a global community, we need to do more to understand the causes of autism and how best to care for and support the needs of autistic people and their families.

WHO is committed to advancing this goal working together with partners including autistic-led organizations and other organizations representing persons with lived experience. WHO also stands with people who are living with autism and their families, a dignified community entitled to evidence-based considerations free of stigma.

The World Health Organization (WHO) emphasizes that there is currently no conclusive scientific evidence confirming a possible link between autism and use of acetaminophen (also known as paracetamol) during pregnancy.

11/04/2025

Leelanau County, Benzie County & Traverse City Area Food Resources

When our web development clients at the Benzie County Democrats shared a page with resources to help family, friends & neighbors get through the chaos caused by a lapse in SNAP benefit funding, we realized we should do the same!

You can click through to the link below for food security resources for Leelanau, Benzie & Grand Traverse Counties. Leelanau food security resources that we'd like to highlight include:

5loaves2fish, an outreach group that promotes compassion by providing nourishing meals, infused with love, to those experiencing food insecurity and homelessness. Meal sites in Grand Traverse, Leelanau and Benzie Counties.

Leelanau Christian Neighbors, a non-profit empowering Leelanau residents facing challenging times through food, baby supplies, and emergency aid.

The Lively NeighborFood Market

Their SNAP Gap for Neighbors program from the Lively's local, year-round farmer's market provides fresh, healthy foods for SNAP Bridge card holders.

The Folded Leaf

Offering a Community Shelf with food, paper and sanitary products, and more including a gluten free section!

Empire Area Food Pantry where clients can get canned and dry foods as well as meats and fresh produce. Open to all Leelanau residents.

Grand Traverse Band of Ottawa and Chippewa Indians providing community food rescue & self-sufficiency to members within their six-county service area.

Many more resources at: https://leelanau.com/leelanau-county-benzie-county-traverse-city-area-food-resources/

09/08/2025

08/21/2025

American Academy of Pediatrics has released our annual update to our immunization recommendations to best help children and adolescents build immunity and stay healthy.

Since our founding in the 1930s, the AAP has been creating evidence-based vaccine recommendations that are rooted in the latest science and our deep clinical knowledge about children’s health.

With misinformation about immunizations spreading, AAP is publishing our own, independent vaccine recommendations, including updated recommendations for RSV, influenza, and COVID-19. Read our full policy statement to learn about AAP's updated immunization schedule.
https://bit.ly/4lsW8El

08/20/2025

06/25/2025

Measles is spreading across the U.S. It’s most dangerous for kids, but adults can get very sick too—and spread it to vulnerable people. Talk to your health care provider to see if you need an MMR vaccine, especially if you're traveling soon. You can get one at doctor’s offices, local health departments, and many pharmacies.

For more information on measles and vaccinations, visit health.ingham.org or contact the Ingham County Health Department Immunization Clinic at 517-887-4316 or at Immunization@ingham.org

06/21/2025

A second confirmed case of measles was announced Friday, two days after the first case was confirmed.

06/18/2025

Media Release: Confirmed Case of Measles Identified in Grand Traverse County. At this time, there are no known public exposures related to this case. The GTCHD encourages residents and visitors to be current on Measles vaccinations.

To view the media release, visit our web www.gtcountymi.gov/2609/Media-Releases. For more information or to schedule an appointment, call us at 231-995-6131.

03/31/2025

April Immunization Clinics

Staying up to date on vaccinations is one of the best ways to protect yourself and those around you. This April, we're offering our regular immunization clinics, plus after-hours measles vaccination clinics to help ensure everyone has access to this important protection.

Call 231-882-4409 ext 3 to schedule an appointment.