School vaccination rates in Wisconsin remain steady for the 2024-25 academic year, evidenced by statistical data.
The Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS) has reported a decrease in vaccination rates for the 2024-25 school year, primarily due to unfamiliarity with a new meningitis vaccination requirement for students in grades 7 to 12[1]. This lack of awareness about the new meningococcal vaccine has led to a drop in the overall percentage of students meeting the minimum immunization requirements to 86.4%, down from the previous year[1].
When excluding the new meningitis vaccine requirement, the vaccination rates actually show a slight increase to 89.3%, indicating the decline is focused on this new vaccine mandate[1]. The DHS anticipates that it may take some time to increase awareness among parents and caregivers to ensure students are up to date with this new requirement.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has announced that Wisconsin kindergarteners are falling behind other states in terms of vaccination status against vaccine-preventable illness[2]. This ongoing concern about immunization coverage is further highlighted by the decrease in vaccination rates for the 2024-25 school year.
However, it's important to note that vaccine waiver rates for personal conviction and other categories have remained relatively stable, suggesting the meningitis vaccine introduction is the key new factor influencing the change[2].
Dr. Ryan Westergaard of the DHS Bureau of Communicable Diseases encourages questions about vaccine safety and effectiveness. He and his team have been preparing for potential cases of disease outbreaks in Wisconsin for months[3]. Wisconsin has experienced its first cases of disease this past week, but the team was prepared[3].
Experts advise that if you have concerns about getting your child vaccinated, you should speak with a qualified doctor[4]. It's crucial to make informed decisions about your child's health and to stay updated on the latest vaccination requirements and recommendations.
- [1] Wisconsin Department of Health Services. (2025). Vaccination Rates for 2024-25 School Year. Retrieved from www.dhs.wisconsin.gov
- [2] Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2025). Wisconsin Kindergarteners Lag Behind Other States in Vaccination Rates. Retrieved from www.cdc.gov
- [3] Wisconsin Department of Health Services. (2025). Wisconsin Prepared for Disease Outbreaks. Retrieved from www.dhs.wisconsin.gov
- [4] American Academy of Pediatrics. (2025). Vaccines Save Lives. Retrieved from www.aap.org
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Science plays a crucial role in addressing the health-and-wellness concerns surrounding the new meningitis vaccination requirement for Wisconsin students in grades 7 to 12. Experts at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommend staying updated on the latest vaccination requirements and recommendations, particularly when it comes to the immunization status of Wisconsin kindergarteners against vaccine-preventable illness.
