Immunize Milwaukee

In 2006, Milwaukee Public School District student immunization rates were estimated to be 45%, as compared to 95% in surrounding suburban areas and 86% across the state of Wisconsin. The Milwaukee Health Department, Wisconsin Division of Public Health, Milwaukee County District Attorney, and Milwaukee Public Schools convened the Milwaukee Immunization Task Force to address these ongoing immunization concerns. Over the next four years, the task force successfully increased the compliance rate within Milwaukee public schools from 64% to 81% in 2010.

Continuing the work of the task force is Immunize Milwaukee Now, a coalition formed to exchange knowledge, implement activities and serve as a community resource for information on the importance of immunizations. It works to develop a systematic approach to immunization compliance, improve technology for data collection and reporting, and facilitate collaboration among agencies. It also endeavors to engage policy makers to strengthen school immunization laws and ensure adequate funding is provided.

To learn more about immunization initiatives in Milwaukee, visit the Milwaukee Health Department website.