(WLUK) — A new report shows Wisconsin families are lagging behind other states in protecting their children from vaccine-preventable diseases, leaving children and communities more vulnerable to infectious disease outbreaks. It is said that it has become.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention examined data from the Wisconsin Department of Health Services and compared Wisconsin’s kindergarten child vaccination rates for the 2023-2024 school year to the same data from other states.
This data reveals that children in Wisconsin are falling behind in receiving important childhood vaccines, including polio, pertussis, diphtheria, and tetanus (DTaP) and measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR). . For example, only 84.8% of kindergarteners in Wisconsin were up to date on their MMR vaccine, compared to 92.7% nationally.
Officials say this is why preventable diseases like measles and whooping cough have increased in Wisconsin and across the United States in recent years.
“Our families and communities are more vulnerable,” said Dr. Stephanie Schauer, Wisconsin Immunization Program Manager. “These low vaccination rates are especially concerning given that there are areas of the state that have very low vaccination rates and are unprotected from vaccine-preventable diseases.”
Schauer said the COVID-19 pandemic has increased vaccine hesitancy among parents and families who don’t vaccinate their children.
The effects of the pandemic are known to have a negative impact on childhood immunization. “We are starting to see children born just before and during the pandemic starting school,” she said, “and that immunization rates can be affected by misinformation and disinformation. I know… just the overall trust.” And we know that confidence in vaccines has eroded a little bit.
Schauer said several factors besides vaccine hesitancy could be contributing to Wisconsin’s low vaccination rates among children.
“While there is no shortage of vaccines, families sometimes don’t have the time, don’t have a clinic nearby, or worry about cost, which makes it difficult to get their children vaccinated. “We know it can happen,” she said.
“If parents have questions about how best to protect their children from illness, they should consult their pediatrician, local clinic, or local health department. Parents can answer questions and find vaccination clinics near them. “We can help families access health insurance that they may need,” Schauer continued.
Vaccines are available at clinics, clinics, pharmacies and health departments throughout Wisconsin. Residents without health insurance or whose insurance may not cover vaccines can access vaccines through subsidy programs and pediatric or adult vaccine programs.
Use the Wisconsin Immunization Registry to make sure you or your loved one is up to date on vaccines and find out which shots you still need. You can also check your vaccine status by contacting your doctor’s office or local health department.
