Free Vaccines & Chance to Win Zoo or Art Museum Tickets

MILWAUKEE – The City of Milwaukee Health Department (MHD) is hosting two special vaccination clinics this week to help families update their children’s school-required vaccinations and protect them from serious illnesses. Vaccination rates among school-aged children have declined in recent years, with only 75% of Milwaukee children currently meeting minimum immunization requirements. Ensuring children are up to date with their vaccines is vital for keeping both them and the broader community safe.

All participating families will be entered to win free tickets to the Milwaukee County Zoo or the Milwaukee Art Museum.

Clinic Information:

• Friday, October 11: 3–6 p.m. at Northwest Health Center (7630 W. Mill Road)
• Saturday, October 12: 10 a.m.–2 p.m. at Southside Health Center (1639 S. 23rd Street)

Why Vaccinate?

Vaccines required for school attendance, such as those protecting against measles, mumps, rubella (MMR), diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis (DTaP), and varicella, are crucial for preventing the spread of highly contagious diseases. For example, in Milwaukee County, there have been 111 cases of pertussis (whooping cough) reported in 2024, compared to just 2 cases by this time last year. The pertussis vaccine is the most effective way to prevent illness or reduce the severity of symptoms. Ensuring children are up to date on these immunizations helps protect them and the broader community from serious yet preventable, severe illnesses.

Flu and COVID-19 vaccines are available for anyone 6 months and older, regardless of insurance status. For other school-required vaccines, children must meet eligibility requirements. MHD provides school-required vaccinations free of charge to children (18 years of age or younger) who meet one of the following criteria:

• The child is uninsured (no medical insurance)
• The child is enrolled in or eligible for Medicaid/BadgerCare
• The child is Native American or Alaskan Native

The Importance of Community Health:
As part of MHD’s mission to remove barriers to healthcare, these clinics offer free vaccines and aim to meet families where they are—ensuring that every child in Milwaukee has access to life-saving immunizations. Prioritizing public health measures such as vaccination helps reduce the risk of illness for everyone in the community.

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.