MADISON, Wis. — A new report from the Wisconsin Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) shows that children in Wisconsin are lagging behind other states in vaccinations, making them, their families, and their communities more susceptible to infection. The country is now vulnerable to disease outbreaks.
Kindergarteners in Wisconsin are being delayed in receiving important childhood vaccines, including polio, pertussis, diphtheria, and tetanus (DTaP), and measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR).
Only 84.8% of kindergarteners in Wisconsin have received the latest MMR vaccine, compared to 92.7% nationally, the study found.
Diseases such as measles and whooping cough have increased across the United States in recent years as vaccination rates have declined, health officials say.
“While most Wisconsinites protect their children with vaccines, we are falling short of what is needed to protect our state from preventable outbreaks,” said Paula, State Health Officer and Public Health Administrator.・Tran said in a news release.
“Vaccines have proven to be one of the safest and most effective ways each of us can prevent serious illness and death from disease. The vast majority of people are fully vaccinated. It is much harder for the disease to spread in the home, classroom, or community at large. ”
DHS monitors vaccination rates and identifies areas at highest risk for the spread of infectious diseases that can impact the health of people across the state.
“While there is no shortage of vaccines, it can be difficult for families to get their children vaccinated because they don’t have the time, don’t have a clinic nearby, or are concerned about cost. We know it’s a possibility. There are questions about the safety of the vaccine,” said Dr. Stephanie Schauer, Wisconsin Immunization Program Manager.
“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 you get help or access health insurance.” ”
Vaccines are available at clinics, clinics, pharmacies and health departments across the state, and the Wisconsin Immunization Registry allows families to find out if their vaccines are up to date and which ones they need. .
