DHS encourages Wisconsinites to get vaccinated as respiratory illness season begins.
Sept 17, 2024
The Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS) is encouraging Wisconsinites to get vaccinated against respiratory illnesses this fall. An updated COVID-19 [1] and a new annual flu [2]vaccine are now available to protect against COVID-19 and flu strains circulating this season. RSV [3] vaccines are also available for people who are eligible, including most older adults and people who are pregnant. An RSV antibody to protect infants from severe illness will be available October 1.
“In the fall, viruses like flu, RSV, and COVID-19, start to increase across Wisconsin and spread through communities, workplaces, schools, and other places people live, work, and play,” said State Health Officer Paula Tran. “While they may only cause mild sickness for some people,
for others, like older adults, infants, and those with underlying health risks, they can cause serious illness and even death. Vaccines are safe and effective, and we encourage Wisconsinites to talk to their health care providers to see what’s best for them.”
In Vernon County the rates of vaccination vary depending on a number of factors including type of vaccine, age and school district. For Covid the average vaccination rate in Vernon County is 17.7 percent compared to the state average of 18.5 percent. But the rate of vaccination in the state goes up dramatically with age. About 47 percent of people statewide have received at least one dose of the COVID vaccine.
When it comes to the flu vaccine, statewide about 35 percent of residents are vaccinated and 32.4 percent in Vernon County. When broken down by age about 65 percent of Vernon County residents over the age of 65 have received the flu vaccine.
When vaccination rates are compared by schools in Vernon County there is a wide range of variance. Viroqua Schools Area Schools reports 85 percent of public school students met the minimum immunization requirements. At the Viroqua Area Montessori School, 66 percent of students who met the minimum immunization requirements. Pleasant Ridge Waldorf School showed 29 percent of students who met the minimum immunization requirements. Westby Area School District reported 92.3 percent of public school students who met the minimum immunization requirements. Hillsboro School District reports 96.8 percent of public school students who met the minimum immunization requirements. Norwalk-Ontario-Wilton School District reports 95 percent of public school students who met the minimum immunization requirements.
Information of statewide vaccinations can be found on the DHS website here.
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