Clark County Health Department Reminds Parents to Make Sure Child's Vaccines Are Up-to-Date

Wednesday, September 7th, 2022 -- 11:01 AM

Children are back in school around the state of Wisconsin and it’s important to make sure kids are up to date on their vaccinations.

According to Kelsey Wussow of the Clark County Health Department, before a child starts school, they should have the following vaccines including, “four doses of Polio, three Hepatitis B, two Varicella (Chicken Pox), four DTaP, and two MMR vaccines before starting school."

"If you are unsure what vaccines your child needs, contact your health care provider or print your student’s vaccine record through the Wisconsin Immunization Registry: https://www.dhs.wisconsin.gov/immunization/wir.htm.”

As students continue their education, they need to have their vaccines updated. Kelsey said, “For elementary school students, children should be up to date on routine child vaccines, listed above, before starting school.  Children should also receive yearly boosters of influenza vaccine."

"For middle school and junior high, a Tdap vaccine, tetanus and pertussis booster, is required after the child’s 11th birthday. The CDC also recommends HPV vaccination between the ages of 11 and 12 to help prevent against HPV infections that can lead to cancer later in life. It is also recommended to get the first dose of Meningococcal at this time as well. Annual flu vaccines are also recommended as well.”

“For High School, the second dose of Meningococcal is recommended around 16 years of age, as well as a 2 dose series of Men B, a very dangerous subtype of Meningococcal, between ages 16-18. Annual flu vaccines are recommended as well.”

Kelsey also said the COVID vaccine should be included as well. “COVID vaccines are safe and effective for everyone ages 6 months and older. It is not known at this time if COVID boosters will be recommended annually.”

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