MONROE - The Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS) recently announced that they were part- nering with the Wisconsin Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics (WIAAP) to urge families to make sure their children are up to date on well-child visits and vaccinations. Green County Public Health and SSM Health Monroe are reiterating this message.
In 2020, there was a significant drop in clinic visits across the state. This resulted in delays in vaccinations, screenings, referrals, and general guidance to help keep families healthy. Falling behind on vaccinations leaves children vulnerable to preventable diseases like influenza, measles, and whooping cough. The decline in the number of office visits and routine vaccinations is alarming and could have long-ranging impacts on a child’s health and the health of our community.
Wellness visits for kids should be scheduled with the child’s doctor regularly from birth through age three, then yearly after that. Different vaccinations are given at different times throughout childhood. Parents and guardians can speak with the child's doctor about when their child should receive different vaccinations. Vaccine schedule recommendations are also available on the CDC’s website in English and Spanish.
“If a child has missed a vaccination, it is not too late to get caught up." Said RoAnn Warden, Green County Public Health Officer/Director. "Childhood vac cines and wellness visits are extremely important for a kid's overall health and
well-being, when kids are healthy they are able to continue to do all the things they love — play sports, go to school, be with their friends." You can check your child's vaccination status on the Wisconsin Immunization Registry or by calling 608-266-9691.
Other resources for families include: Health care coverage available through BadgerCare Plus and Wisconsin Medicaid Free transportation to medical appointments
Food pantries and nonprofit organi - zations to assist with food and access to other services For more information, please visit the Green County Public Health website and Facebook page and the SSM Health Monroe website and Facebook page.
