In the spring of 2022, the WECHU began reviewing immunization records for secondary students in WEC, as mandated by the Immunization of School Pupils Act (ISPA).
The WECHU worked with local school boards and schools to host on-site immunization clinics in secondary schools, as a part of a comprehensive strategy that also included clinics in each municipality and WECHU offices, to ensure that students could complete their vaccine series and avoid suspension.
Between June 7 to September 2, 2022:
- More than 150 clinics were held.
- Over 4,020 immunizations administered.
- 2,168 students were immunized.
Progress over time:
- June 2022: 13,254 secondary school students had incomplete immunization records and were either overdue for one or more vaccines or had not reported their updated records to the WECHU.
- July 2022: 8,844 secondary school students who will be attending school in the fall had incomplete records.
- August 2022: 7,554 secondary students still had incomplete immunization records and were mailed suspension orders.
- September 12, 2022 (suspension deadline): 1,519 secondary students had not provided updated records to the WECHU and were suspended on September 14, 2022.
- October 3, 2022: 49 students remained on the suspension list; WECHU staff worked one-on-one with these students and families to bring these students up to date on their immunizations so the students could return to school.