EAU CLAIRE, Wis. (WEAU) – School is back in session and that means checking your students’ immunization records.
New vaccination requirements are in effect across the state this school year.
“The Wisconsin Department of Human Services recently modified these requirements for school-age children to better align them with existing federal government recommendations,” said Christina Writz.
She is a public health nurse for the City and County of Eau Claire Health Department and directs its immunization program.
Anyone entering the 7th grade must now be vaccinated against meningococcus, which protects against meningitis.
For prospective twelfth-graders, the appropriate refresher course is required.
Writz said that all students in between would not be required to be vaccinated retroactively, but would be encouraged to do so.
And if your child has not received a chickenpox vaccination because he or she has already had the disease, a medical diagnosis is now required as proof.
“To make sure the diagnosis is correct and we don’t see children not getting the vaccine when they should get it,” Writz said.
Wisconsin updated its requirements in May to comply with federal guidelines.
“Wisconsin tried to get these passed, but they just didn’t get through,” Writz said.
After a deadline, legislation updating vaccination requirements came into force.
“I haven’t had the shot yet. I’m a little nervous because I’ve never had the shot before and have never heard of it or the name,” said Silas Chaves.
He is entering 8th grade and said that getting his vaccinations updated is no big deal for him.
“It might be a little annoying. But it won’t be that bad,” Chaves said.
“We want to make doctor visits fun. Getting jabbed isn’t fun,” says Micah Davis, father of two children who still have a long way to go before middle school.
He said there were already enough mandates.
“I would prefer fewer vaccinations. A minimum would be good,” Davis said.
If your child is not ready for the school year, there is still time and help available.
“We encourage parents to work with their health care providers. And if they don’t have a health care provider, if families are on Medicaid or are uninsured, we can also help them get these vaccines here at the health department,” Writz said.
If you are interested in vaccinating your child, you can find more information here.
Nothing has changed regarding the exemptions. They can be lifted if the student submits a written statement that he or she is against vaccination for health, religious or personal reasons.
State guidelines require parents to provide proof of their child’s immunizations within 30 days of the first day of school.
Further information on the legislation can be found here.
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