Back-to-school immunization requirements, Health Department youth immunization clinics

August is National Immunization Awareness Month and the Lincoln County Health Department (LCHD) would like to inform the public of updates to immunizations in Wisconsin.
New changes to school immunization requirements now include:
o One dose of Meningococcal Vaccine for students entering 7th grade and a booster dose for eligible students entering 12th grade.*
o Parent report of chickenpox disease is no longer acceptable for exemption from the varicella (chickenpox) vaccine requirement. Children must have a diagnosis of chickenpox from a qualified health care provider (M.D., D.O., N.P., or P.A.) to be exempt from this requirement; however, existing exemption options still apply.*
*Changes will go into effect for the 2024-2025 school year unless further legal change occurs prior to this school year. For full guidance on Wisconsin’s school law requirements, go to dhs.wisconsin.gov/immunization/reqs.htm.
“Vaccines help to support a healthy and balanced lifestyle, keep your immune system strong, and prepare children’s immune systems to keep them growing, learning, and thriving,” said Kristi Krombholz, Public Health Nurse. Children needing a vaccine should schedule an appointment with their provider, pharmacist, or health department.
Children who have no health insurance, children with health insurance but no vaccine coverage, children on Medicaid/Badgercare, or children who are Native American/Alaskan Native can receive all routine immunizations, including the flu vaccine, through the Lincoln County Health Department.
Students that meet the guidelines above, are welcome to attend the Health Department’s Youth Vaccine Clinic on Wednesday, Aug. 21, 2024, or Wednesday, Oct. 23, 2024, from 3-6 p.m. at the Health Department. Pre-registration is required. To register, call the Health Department at 715.536.0307 or set up an appointment online at bit.ly/4aBiluA.
If you are unsure what shots your child may need or you want to schedule an appointment, contact your child’s healthcare provider or call the LCHD at 715.536.0307. To find more information about vaccine preventable diseases, visit lincolncountyhealthdepartment.com or find them on Facebook. Lincoln County Health Department is always striving for a safer and healthier Lincoln County.