With Measles in Wisconsin, DHS Stresses Importance of Vaccinating School Children
Encourages families to check vaccination records, get up to date on vaccines to protect kids and keep them healthy and in school
As the new school year gets underway, the Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS) is encouraging parents and caregivers to check their children’s vaccination records and make sure they are protected from serious vaccine-preventable diseases.
“Back-to-school vaccinations are always important, and especially now with a measles outbreak in our state. Now is the best time for families to make sure their children have the protection they need to support their own health, and the health of their classrooms,” said State Health Officer Paula Tran. “Checking your child’s vaccination record now gives you time to talk with a health care provider, ask questions, and schedule any vaccines they may need.”
Wisconsinites can use the Wisconsin Immunization Registry or contact their health care provider to check vaccine status for their children, as well as themselves.
This reminder also comes as the CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) released its annual school vaccination
At the same time, the percentage of kindergarteners in Wisconsin with non-medical vaccine exemptions increased from 6.3% in 2024-2025, to 7.3% in 2025-2026. When vaccination rates fall, the risk of an outbreak or widespread illness increases.
“Children spend a lot of time together in the classroom which means diseases can spread quickly in schools. Higher vaccination coverage can help prevent a single case in a school from turning into a community-wide outbreak,” said Stephanie Schauer, PhD, director of the Wisconsin Immunization Program. “This increasing trend in the number of parents and guardians choosing to waive school vaccinations is concerning and provides more opportunities for vaccine-preventable diseases to spread.”
Vaccines routinely recommended for children are studied for their safety and effectiveness, and vaccine safety continues to be monitored after vaccines are in use. However, parents and caregivers may still have questions about vaccines and how to get them. Families are navigating a growing amount of vaccine information online and on social media, including claims that may be misleading or not supported by scientific evidence. Wisconsinites are encouraged to bring their questions to a trusted healthcare professional and use reliable sources when making decisions about their child’s health. Parents can also access reliable information and get answers to common questions on the DHS Get the Facts About Vaccines webpage.
“Parents want to make informed decisions about their children’s health, and asking questions is part of that process,” said Chief Medical Officer and State Epidemiologist Dr. Ryan Westergaard. “As a clinician, I encourage my patients to talk with me about what they are hearing or reading about health-related topics. Healthcare professionals can help families understand the evidence, discuss the benefits and potential risks of vaccinations, and help make the best decision for their families.”
Families have options when it comes to finding vaccines in our state. Wisconsinites who have a current healthcare provider should contact them now to make an appointment. Programs like Vaccines for Children (VFC) and Vaccines for Adults (VFA) can help families access free or low-cost vaccines. Find a provider and learn more about who is eligible on the VFC and VFA webpages. Those who do not have a healthcare provider can call or visit
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.
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