WI Kids Are Falling Behind On Polio, Other Vaccines: DHS

MADISON, WI — Wisconsin children are falling behind other states in getting vaccines, leaving them, their families, and communities vulnerable to outbreaks, according to a new report from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

Wisconsin kindergarteners are behind on important childhood vaccines including polio, pertussis, diphtheria and tetanus (DTaP), and measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR).

Only 84.8 percent of Wisconsin kindergarteners were up to date on their MMR vaccine, while nationally 92.7 percent of children have received the MMR vaccine, the study found.

Diseases like measles and pertussis have increased across the U.S. in recent years as vaccination rates fall, according to health officials.

"While most Wisconsinites are protecting their children with vaccines, we are below where we need to be to protect our state against preventable outbreaks," said State Health Officer and Division of Public Health Administrator Paula Tran in a news release.

"Vaccines are proven to be one of the safest and most effective ways each of us can prevent serious illness and death due to diseases. When the majority of people are vaccinated, it is much harder for that disease to spread in a household, a classroom, or across a community."

DHS monitors vaccination rates to identify areas that may be at most risk for the spread of communicable diseases, which can impact the health of people statewide.

"There's no shortage of vaccines, but we know families can be short on time, may not have a clinic close by, or worry about the cost, and that can make it difficult to get their kids in to be vaccinated. They may also have questions about the safety of the vaccines," said Dr. Stephanie Schauer, Wisconsin Immunization Program Manager.

"Parents should talk to their pediatrician, community clinic, or local health department if they have questions about how to best protect their child from illnesses. They can answer questions, help them find vaccination clinics near them, and help them access health care coverage their family may need."

Vaccines are available statewide at doctor's offices, clinics, pharmacies, and health departments, and the Wisconsin Immunization Registry lets families see if they're up-to-date on their vaccines and which shots they may still need.