As you gather your back to school supplies, state health officials say making sure your child’s vaccinations are up to date should also be on the list.
Students in Wisconsin schools are required to have a wide range of vaccinations before they can attend classes. Dr. Seth Foldy, the state Health Officer, says there are also some new additions to the list this year that parents need to be aware of.
Among the major requirements are second shots for Whooping Cough and Chicken Pox. Foldy says those are needed because it’s been found that the first vaccination may not be enough to protect kids throughout their time in school.
Aside from what’s required, Foldy says some suggested vaccines should be considered, such as the flu shot. The CDC is recommending that all children over the age of six months be vaccinated against seasonal influenza this year.
Foldy says all vaccines should be available through a child’s regular medical provider or a local health center.
Information on what vaccines your child has received is available online through the Wisconsin Immunization Program.