As measles spreads across Wisconsin, health officials are calling on parents to check their children’s vaccination records before the new school year, emphasising the importance of immunisation amid falling coverage rates.
Parents across Wisconsin are being urged to check their children’s vaccination records as the new school year begins, with state health officials warning that measles is already spreading in parts of the state. The Wisconsin Department of Health Services says the timing is important because families still have time to speak with a health professional and arrange any missing doses before classrooms fill up.
State Health Officer Paula Tran said back-to-school vaccinations remain essential, but are especially pressing now that the state is dealing with a measles outbreak. She said reviewing records now can help parents ensure children have the protection they need for their own health and for the safety of classmates.
The department says families can use the Wisconsin Immunisation Registry or contact their health care provider to confirm whether children are up to date. Officials are also encouraging adults to check their own status, particularly because measles can spread quickly among people who are not vaccinated or are unsure whether they were immunised.
In a separate update, the department said on September 1 that the outbreak in Grant, Iowa and Lafayette counties had reached 102 confirmed cases and six probable cases. Health officials say the investigation suggests local spread is continuing. Measles can cause serious complications, including pneumonia, brain damage and deafness, and the best protection is the measles, mumps and rubella vaccine. Wisconsin recommends two doses for children, with the first at 12 to 15 months and the second at four to six years. State data released this year also showed childhood vaccination rates continued to fall in 2025, deepening concern about the number of children left unprotected against preventable disease.
Disclaimer: This content is for informational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical judgment, advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
