Important COVID Updates

Immunization Data by District: In July, the DHS began sharing immunization by school district geographic boundaries on the DHS website.

WI Immunization Registry: School personnel have access to the Wisconsin Immunization Registry (WIR) in order to monitor immunization compliance per Wis. Stat. sec. 252.04 and DHS 144.07. A school district’s agreement with the Department of Health Services to use student immunization information obtained via WIR is based upon this requirement. School districts are not required to have written parent permission to receive immunization information from vaccine providers or the WIR for required vaccines [DHS 144.03(10)(a)].

There are no statutes related to the responsibilities of local school boards to monitor other (non-required) immunizations. School districts should seek legal counsel regarding any practice that allows school personnel to access information via WIR on non-required vaccines without parent or adult student knowledge of such practice and/or permission.  COVID-19 is not a required vaccine for school attendance per current Wisconsin school immunization statutes.

Updated Guidance: The WI DHS is expected to release revised school guidance in early August based upon the CDC’s revisions that were released July 9th. A webinar on this guidance is being planned.

COVID School Testing: The DHS has received strong feedback from school districts wanting to participate in the school-based COVID testing program this fall. More information can be found here.  In addition, see DPI’s Testing Basics document here. 

Adolescent Vaccination Outreach Toolkits Now Available: DHS has created toolkits for partners to help facilitate communication with adolescents, their families, and the community about COVID-19 vaccination for people ages 12 and older. The toolkits contain call-to-action email templates, social media messages, and graphics. Visit DHS’ Vaccine Partner Resources webpage to access the toolkits.