The Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS) has just released its 2019 School Administrator Immunization Law memo on how schools are to comply with the state’s immunization law, which covers measles and many other communicable diseases.
Measles cases are on the rise across the Nation and in states surrounding Wisconsin. But there are no confirmed cases here yet.
State health officials want to improve immunization rates to prevent outbreaks of several communicable diseases covered by the immunization law. DHS is urging schools to continue following their guidelines on how to comply with the law. An updated booklet on the law will be available in mid-August.
DHS will be hosting a webinar for school administrators in August to review the immunization reporting process for the coming year in more detail. WCRIS will publicize the date when it is announced.
The Centers for Disease Control reported 704 cases of the measles nationwide, with some in states like Iowa and Michigan, as of April 26. This is the most cases of measles that the nation has seen in 25 years.
In the 2018-2019 school year, 5.3 percent of Wisconsin students waived one or more immunizations but only 1.6 percent did in the 1997-1998 school year, according to The Wisconsin Dept. of Health Services.
Wisconsin lawmakers have begun discussing removing the personal exemption from the law, while allowing the religious exemption to remain. WCRIS is monitoring their talks to protect private schools’ interests.
Get DHS immunization resources here.
