State Health Department Launches Campaign to Get More Wisconsin Children Immunized
“Immunizations are safe and effective and not only protect the child, but the people around that child, too.”
The Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS) today announced the launch of a statewide campaign to encourage parents to get their children immunized. The campaign includes advertisements on radio, the web, and social media platforms, and is targeted to parents of children 0-3 years old, and pregnant women who are making decisions about immunizing their babies.
“Immunizations are safe and effective and not only protect the child, but the people around that child, too,” said Jeanne Ayers, State Public Health Officer. “While measles is on everyone’s mind with outbreaks across the country, it’s important for parents to know immunizations protect children from 14 serious illnesses, some that could be deadly.”
In 2018, the statewide vaccination rate for children 0-24 months was 72.14% for the series of vaccines that include protection against diphtheria, tetanus, polio, measles, mumps, Haemophilus Influenzae Type b, Hepatitis B, Varicella (Chicken Pox), and pneumococcal bacterial infections.
In addition to the media campaign, the department also recently awarded its “Big Shot” awards to Wisconsin healthcare providers who are champions at encouraging parents to have their children immunized. In addition, DHS has announced that the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has named Amy Braeger, RN, its 2019 CDC Childhood Immunization Champion for Wisconsin(link is external). Braeger, a school nurse in the West Bend School District, reached her goal of achieving a 99% vaccination rate in the district.
“Doctors and nurses are great partners in educating parents about immunizations and the doses necessary to maintain health. Parents should always ask their doctors any questions they have about the immunizations their child needs, the number of doses needed, and address any concerns they might have,” Ayers said.
Funding for the advertising campaign comes from a grant from the CDC.
NOTE: This press release was submitted to Urban Milwaukee and was not written by an Urban Milwaukee writer. While it is believed to be reliable, Urban Milwaukee does not guarantee its accuracy or completeness.
Recent Press Releases by Wisconsin Department of Health Services
First Confirmed West Nile Virus Activity Found in Wisconsin This Year
Jul 28th, 2025 by Wisconsin Department of Health ServicesDHS urges everyone to protect themselves from mosquito bites
DHS Celebrates 15th Anniversary of Wisconsin’s Smoke-Free Indoor Air Law
Jul 3rd, 2025 by Wisconsin Department of Health ServicesThe law limits secondhand smoke indoors and supports prevention efforts
