Make Back-To-School Better with Vaccinations (posted August 19, 2026)

By Adam Behnke, BCPH Communication Specialist | August 2026


Editor’s note: Shortly before this article was published, President Donald Trump signed an executive order that called for spacing out childhood immunizations into separate appointments whenever possible. Since an executive order does not in itself override federal or state law, The Wisconsin Department of Health Services has confirmed there are currently no changes to the vaccines available to children or adults in Wisconsin. 


The back-to-school season is busy for families. There are school supply lists to check, new clothes to buy, sports physicals to schedule, and school calendars to organize.  

One more item should be part of the back-to-school checklist: ensuring your child's vaccinations are up to date. 

August is National Immunization Awareness Month. That means right now is a great time to review your family's immunization records and schedule any needed vaccines before school starts. 

Vaccines protect children from serious diseases and help stop the spread in schools and communities. This month’s Healthy Herald will explore how key they are to routine preventative health care. 


The time is now 
Schools gather children in classrooms, cafeterias, playgrounds, buses, and sports teams. When kids spend lots of time together, illnesses can spread easily. 

Vaccines protect children from serious diseases. They also shield those who are more vulnerable to infections. 

“Vaccines and immunizations have existed since 1796,” said Julie Schoenrock, Brown County Public Health Nurse. “As medical knowledge has improved, so has the safety and efficacy of vaccines. They are held to the highest scientific standards because they are given to healthy people." 

You can read a great summary from the American Academy of Pediatrics about how rigorously childhood vaccines are studied, right here. 

Wisconsin has immunization rules for students in school. These rules help reduce the spread of vaccine-preventable diseases, keeping students, teachers, and staff healthier. 

Wisconsin last updated its school immunization rules in 2024. The primary change now requires students entering seventh grade to get a meningococcal vaccine. Then, eligible students in 12th grade need a booster dose. In addition, a parent reporting their child had chickenpox no longer qualifies as an exemption from the varicella (chickenpox) vaccine requirement. Children must have a chickenpox diagnosis from a qualified health care provider to qualify for this exemption. The state still allows for vaccination exemptions based on medical, religious, or personal reasons. 

Remember, these school requirements are just the minimum. Take to your child’s healthcare provider about any extra vaccines they may recommend based on the child’s age, health history, and other factors. 


Act this August by checking their records 
You don’t have to wait for the first day of school to check your child's vaccines. 

Start by looking at your child's immunization record. If you’re unsure if their vaccinations are current, reach out to their healthcare provider. 

Wisconsin families can also use the Wisconsin Immunization Registry (WIR) to look up vaccination details. Your healthcare provider can guide you about which vaccines your child needs and when to get them. 

If your child is missing vaccinations, don’t think it’s too late. Speak with a healthcare provider about a catch-up plan.  

If you have health insurance, your primary care provider is often the best place to get recommended vaccines. You can also check with pharmacies, as they may also provide routine vaccinations. If you are uninsured, or on Medicaid or Medicare, you can contact N.E.W. Community Clinic to be vaccinated and be connected with a primary care provider. 
 
Click HERE to contact N.E.W. Community Clinic and connect with a primary care provider for vaccinations. 


Vaccines at no cost 
For some families, healthcare costs can make routine vaccinations hard to afford.  

That's where the Vaccines for Children (VFC) program helps. It offers recommended vaccines at no cost for eligible children under age 19. It ensures that vaccine costs do not stop children from getting the protection they need. 

Brown County Public Health provides free vaccinations to children through 18 years old who are: 

• Uninsured 
• Medicaid eligible 
• American Indian or Alaska Native 

To learn about our VFC program, and make an appointment, click here. 

“Brown County Public Health makes our VFC program as accessible as possible by hosting it offsite and at rotating locations with a local community partner,” said Schoenrock. “This helps families find a site closest to them.” 

You can also use the Find a VFC location near me section from the Wisconsin Department of Health Services to find a vaccination site. 

Your child is considered underinsured if they have private health insurance, but it might not cover vaccines fully. It could cover only some vaccines or have a dollar limit for payment. Call your insurance to check if any vaccines are covered. If they aren’t, your child can get non-covered vaccines at a Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC) or a Rural Health Clinic (RHC). The FQHC in Brown County is N.E.W. Community Clinic (920-437-7206). 

If your child’s vaccinations are covered by health insurance, please visit your primary care provider for their immunizations.  


Older, but not forgotten 
Back-to-school vaccinations aren't just for young kids. 

Preteens and teens need important vaccines, too. For instance, Tdap and meningococcal vaccines are required in Wisconsin for certain grades. Healthcare providers may also suggest HPV vaccination and others based on the child’s age and needs. 

Older kids going to college should check that their vaccinations are up to date before moving into a dorm or shared living space. 


What parents can do now 
As you prepare for the new school year, be sure to add these steps to your to-do list: 

1. Check your child's immunization record. Look for any vaccines that are due or overdue. Call your healthcare provider or use the Wisconsin Immunization Registry (WIR). 
2. Review Wisconsin's school requirements. Requirements can change by grade, so check the info for your child’s upcoming grade.  
3. Schedule an appointment if needed. Don’t wait until the week before school. Healthcare providers may have limited availability during this busy time.  
4. Inquire about the VFC program. If you’re worried about vaccine costs, ask your child’s healthcare provider if they qualify for VFC.  
5. Ask questions. If you’re unsure about a vaccine, its benefits, or possible side effects, discuss it with your child’s healthcare provider. They can help you understand which vaccines are right for your child. 

“As a parent, you are faced with questions every day and tasked with making the best decisions for your children, including what is best for their health and well-being,” said Schoenrock. “In today’s day and age, there are so many sources to help or hinder those decisions. When it comes to immunizations, lean into the knowledge of your trusted healthcare provider. Ask those tough questions. They are a reliable specialist for all vaccination questions.” 


Fight the flu 
There is no school or childcare requirement for the seasonal influenza vaccination. However, it is strongly recommended (along with the COVID-19 vaccine) by leading health experts, including the Department of Health Services (DHS), American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG), American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP), and others. 

To be best protected against the flu, you need an updated booster shot once a year because the virus changes over time as it spreads. Influenza is usually a seasonal illness that is more common between October and May in the United States. See the following fact sheet from Voices For Vaccines to learn more about flu protection, including some great tips for making your child comfortable during their vaccination visit. 




Get an A+ for protection 
Getting ready for school means more than just buying pencils and backpacks. It's also important to protect children against vaccine-preventable diseases. 

August is a great time to handle this before school starts. 

If your child needs vaccinations, schedule an appointment with their healthcare provider. If cost is a concern, ask about the Vaccines for Children program. Eligible kids under 19 can get recommended vaccines through VFC at no cost. This helps ensure that money isn’t a barrier to getting the protection vaccines offer. 

A healthy school year begins with preparation. Check your child's vaccination record today and talk with their healthcare provider about what they need to stay protected. 

Stay Healthy, Brown County! 

Sources: Wisconsin Department of Health Services, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, American Academy of Pediatrics, Voices for Vaccines