On May 20th, 2024, the Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS 144.01) announced updates to the immunization requirements for children in childcare centers and schools for the 2024-2025 school year.

Key Changes:

1. Meningococcal Vaccine Requirement: Students entering 7th grade must receive the MenACWY vaccine, and eligible students entering 12th grade need a booster dose. If you are unsure whether your student meets these requirements, please contact your medical provider.

2. Chickenpox Vaccine Exemption: Newly enrolled students can no longer use a parent's report of chickenpox to claim exemption from the varicella vaccine. A diagnosis from a qualified healthcare provider (M.D., D.O., N.P., or P.A.) is required. Existing exemption options still apply.

3. Outbreak Definitions Update: The definitions of “substantial outbreak” for childcare centers and schools have been revised to align with CDC definitions, including the addition of chickenpox and meningococcal disease.

If you do not wish to have your child immunized, you must sign a new waiver, available on the bottom half of the immunization form. These forms can be found on the district website (aasd.k12.wi.us), the DHS website, or at the school office.

Once your student has received the required vaccinations, please forward the records to your student’s school office to update their information.