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(WTAQ-WLUK) — State health officials are warning that child vaccination declines could raise the outbreak risk in Wisconsin.
The Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS) released its annual vaccination rates among children, adolescents, and adults for 2025 on Monday.
The data shows Wisconsin’s childhood vaccination rates continued to decrease last year. 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.”
Alongside the decline in childhood vaccination rates, the 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.”
As part of a statewide network of partners, including health systems, clinics, pharmacies, and public health agencies, DHS is working to expand partnerships and support local needs.
“Families have told us that they are concerned about access to health care, busy schedules, and the many other pressures they face that make it feel difficult to get their kids to checkups,” said Stephanie Schauer, manager of the DHS’ Wisconsin Immunization Program. “Public health and health care providers across the state are here to help families break down these barriers to keep families safe from vaccine preventable diseases.”
Wisconsinites are encouraged to use the Wisconsin Immunization Registry to check their and their child’s vaccine status and to talk to a trusted health care provider about recommended vaccines. Families can access free or low-cost vaccines through programs like Vaccines for Children and Vaccines for Adults.
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