Wisconsin’s childhood vaccination rates continued to decrease last year, causing alarm among officials with the Wisconsin Department of Health Services.
While nearly seven of every 10 children (66.9%) had the recommended vaccinations at age 24 months, nearly three of every 10 did not. This is a decline of almost 2% from 2024.
“In public health, we use data like this as an alert system. Today that alert system is sending a clear signal that the health and well-being of Wisconsin kids and communities are at risk,” said Paula Tran, state health officer and Division of Public Health administrator. “Vaccination rates aren’t just numbers on a chart, they represent real people — children, families and neighbors. Even small declines in vaccination rates increase the risk of preventable diseases spreading and outbreaks occurring.”
In 2025, Oconto County reported a summer outbreak of 36 confirmed cases of measles. Two of the 36 people were hospitalized.
All of the cases involved unvaccinated people.
As of Oct. 21, 2025, DHS and Oconto County Public Health declared the outbreak over. An outbreak is considered over once two incubation periods (42 days) have passed since the last reported case.
Most Wisconsinites are vaccinated against measles as children, which provides lifetime immunity. People who have never been vaccinated and are exposed to a person with measles can spread the virus to others in the community, leading to outbreaks.
The best way to prevent measles is to get vaccinated with the measles, mumps, rubella (MMR) vaccine. Two doses of MMR vaccine are about 97% effective at preventing measles; one dose is about 93% effective.
Alongside the decline in childhood vaccination rates, 2025 data also show very minor decreases in adolescent vaccines such as the human papillomavirus (HPV) and tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis (Tdap) vaccines. At the same time, the vaccination rates to protect against meningococcal disease (meningitis) for adolescents increased, and rates across all adult vaccinations stayed steady.
“Vaccines prepare our immune systems to recognize and respond to serious diseases, and they also protect entire communities,” said Dr. Ryan Westergaard, chief medical officer and state epidemiologist for communicable diseases. “When everyone can access the recommended vaccinations on time, it can stop vaccine preventable diseases from spreading.”
Wisconsinites are encouraged to use the Wisconsin Immunization Registry to check their and their child’s vaccine status and to talk to a health care provider about recommended vaccines. Families can access free or low-cost vaccines through programs like Vaccines for Children and Vaccines for Adults.
Learn more about vaccines at www.dhs.wisconsin.gov/immunization/vaccine-facts.htm.
kpasson@newmedia-wi.com
