The state department of health and social services is responsible for overseeing a statewide immunization program for children in the elementary and secondary grades. The department utilizes the schools to try to eliminate the major childhood diseases of mumps, measles, rubella (German measles), diphtheria, pertussis (whooping cough) and poliomyelitis and to give protection again tetanus.
The law requires that any student admitted to any elementary or secondary school or any child care center or nursery school must present, after 30 days of being admitted to the school, a written record of having received the proper immunizations for the child’s particular grade. The student must stay on the prescribed schedule for booster shots and the school must be informed of their completion. (Wis. Stat. § 252.04(2))
When the school notifies the student — if an adult — or the parent or guardian about the immunization requirements, it must also inform them in writing of the person’s right to a waiver. A waiver is allowed for children whose parents or guardians submit a written request for exemption based on objections related to health, religion or personal conviction. If proof of immunization or request for waiver has not been provided, the school must give two written notifications to the adult student, or the parent or guardian of a minor child, stating the requirements and warning that failure to comply could result in court action. The first notice must be given on the 15th day after admission. The second notice is to be on the 25th day. If written evidence of immunization or written waiver is not received within 60 schools days after entering the school, the school must then notify the district attorney for the county in which the child resides. Court action may result in a fine of up to $25 for each day of the violation. (Wis. Stat. § 252.04).
Every school is required by Wisconsin law (Wis. Admin. Code ch. DHS 144) to submit a report to the local health department regarding immunization compliances of their students. For more information regarding reporting, see this Department of Health Services (DHS) guide.
