The Sconi

The Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS) announced updates to immunization requirements for children in child care centers and schools. The changes include a requirement for meningitis vaccination and documentation of chickenpox infection by a qualified medical professional. Exemption options for medical, religious, or philosophical reasons remain unchanged.

These updates, effective from February 1, 2023, align with recommendations from the CDC Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP). Implementation was paused on March 9, 2023, due to suspension by the Joint Committee for Review of Administrative Rules. This suspension expired on April 15, 2024.

"For decades, both varicella (chicken pox) and meningitis vaccines have been recommended as safe and effective for children by medical experts," said DHS Secretary-designee Kirsten Johnson. "This update improves how we can protect children as well as their entire schools and communities."

Wisconsin's most recent vaccination rates in schools for 2023-2024 highlight the importance of these measures. State Health Officer Paula Tran emphasized the role of vaccines in safeguarding children's health: "Vaccines safeguard each child who is vaccinated - and the more children who are vaccinated, the more protected an entire school and community is."

Over the coming months, DHS will work with partners to support implementation. Child care centers will ensure proper chickenpox disease documentation or vaccination now, while schools will implement changes for the 2024-2025 school year. Middle and high schools will ensure that seventh graders receive a meningococcal vaccine and twelfth graders receive a booster.

Parents or guardians with questions about their child's vaccination record can contact their child's primary doctor or check online through the Wisconsin Immunization Registry. Programs are available to support those without regular doctors or whose insurance may not cover vaccines.

For more information on required immunizations in Wisconsin child care centers and schools, visit the DHS website.

Members of the media can send questions to DHSMedia@dhs.wisconsin.gov.