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Immunization Information and School Requirements

Wisconsin Changes School Immunization Requirements

Wisconsin Department of Health Services made changes to the Wisconsin Student Immunization law (WI Administrative Code Ch. DHS 144 Immunization of Students). The law sets forth a minimum immunization requirement for school age children to prevent the spread of vaccine-preventable disease amongst Wisconsin students.

  • Meningococcal (MenACWY-containing) vaccine is required for students entering seventh grade, and a booster dose for eligible students entering 12th grade.
  • 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.
  • The definition of “substantial outbreak” for both child care centers and schools will now align with CDC definitions. Chickenpox and meningococcal diseases are being added to this definition.

There are no changes to the Wisconsin state statute in terms of waivers to vaccination.

What has not changed?

  • The updated requirements leave in place the already established list of required vaccinations.
  • The existing exemption options for medical, religious, or personal conviction reasons are still available.

All students attending Wisconsin Schools must show evidence of having received at least minimum protection against certain vaccine preventable communicable diseases. School vaccine requirements are minimum requirements and do not include all of the immunizations that are recommended for children. Your health care provider can give you information about all recommended immunizations. MMSD may be able to automatically obtain your child's immunization record directly through the Wisconsin Immunization Registry (WIR) if you indicate during the school registration process that you allow release of your child's immunization record. Your child's school nurse will review your child's immunization record and contact you if your child does not meet the minimum requirements for his or her grade level.

Note: COVID and Flu vaccination is highly encouraged for students; however, it is not a requirement by the WI Student Immunization Law. No need to report your student's COVID and Flu vaccination dates.