As a new school year approaches, health care providers are asking parents and guardians to ensure children are protected against preventable diseases.
“Vaccinations play a crucial role in this process,” says Dr. Emily Olson, a pediatrician with ThedaCare Physicians Pediatrics-Waupaca. “Immunizations safeguard children from serious illnesses and create a healthier school environment overall.”
2024-25 Immunization Updates
For the upcoming school year, the Wisconsin Department of Health Services has updated its immunization requirements for school-aged children. The agency says the changes align with the longstanding childhood vaccine recommendations of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices.
The main changes involve the vaccine-preventable illnesses meningitis and chickenpox.
The meningococcal (meningitis) vaccine is now part of the mandatory schedule for students entering seventh grade. A booster dose is available for eligible students entering 12th grade. Meningitis is a potentially life-threatening infection affecting the brain and spinal cord membranes. It can spread rapidly, especially in close quarters like schools.
Children now must have a confirmed diagnosis of chickenpox from a qualified health care provider to be exempt from the varicella (chickenpox) vaccine requirement. Previously, a parent or guardian simply needed to report the disease. Chickenpox is a highly contagious viral infection causing an itchy rash with small, fluid-filled blisters. The disease can lead to serious complications.
“Requiring meningitis and chickenpox vaccines bolsters the state’s efforts to prevent outbreaks and protect children’s health, possibly allowing them to stay in school and thrive,” Dr. Olson said. “These new measures can help keep our communities healthier.”
Comprehensive Immunization Requirements
Beyond meningitis and chickenpox, Wisconsin mandates a series of vaccinations for children entering school (kindergarten through seventh grades) to ensure overall protection. Here’s a quick guide to review with your health care provider:
- Polio Vaccine: Prevents the poliovirus that can cause paralysis.
- Hepatitis B: Guards against liver infection.
- DTaP/Tdap (Diphtheria, Tetanus, Pertussis): Protects against three serious bacterial diseases. DTaP is recommended for infants and young children, and Tdap is recommended for older children and adults.
- MMR (Measles, Mumps, Rubella): Shields against highly contagious viral infections. Measles cases are on the rise this year. Experts attribute the trend to declining vaccination rates in the United States and a rise in measles cases worldwide.
“These vaccinations can help protect individual children, as well as contribute to herd immunity,” Dr. Olson explained. “This can help reduce the risk of outbreaks within school communities.”
Beyond Mandatory Vaccinations
Dr. Olson encourages parents to consider additional vaccinations beyond those which the state requires.
These include:
- Annual influenza. Starting at 6 months of age to protect against seasonal flu.
- Human papillomavirus (HPV). Beginning around age 11 for both boys and girls to prevent the spread of the virus. The vaccine has been shown to prevent more than 90% of HPV-related cancers.
- COVID-19 booster. Talk to your child’s provider about whether a booster is right for them.
Keeping Communities Healthy
“When children are vaccinated, they can help protect themselves, and contribute to the health and safety of their classmates, teachers, and family members,” Dr. Olson said.
Wisconsin state statute continues to permit waivers to vaccinations for reasons of health, religious, or personal conviction. However, Dr. Olson recommends parents and guardians talk with their child’s provider about any concerns they may have about immunization safety and their child’s vaccination status.
“Vaccination is one of the most effective public health interventions we have,” Dr. Olson said. “We hope everyone can work together to keep our children healthy and thriving.”
To schedule an appointment and learn more about immunizations, please visit MyThedaCare.
