GREEN BAY, Wis. (WBAY) – As you check off items on your kids’ back-to-school list, check to make sure they have received all required vaccinations.

This is the message from local health authorities.

The second half of that message is: “Don’t wait.”

Winnebago County health officials urge parents to make appointments for their children’s back-to-school vaccinations.

Doctors say vaccinations are your child’s superpower at school: They protect them from dangerous diseases and give them the best chance of a healthy school year.

Wisconsin has updated its vaccination requirements for schools and daycare centers.

Starting next school year, seventh-graders will be required to be vaccinated against meningitis before starting school, while eligible twelfth-graders will be required to receive a booster vaccination.

It is important to know that parents can no longer call the school and request an exemption from the chickenpox vaccine for their child. Parents must now provide a diagnosis from a qualified health care provider to be exempt from this vaccine.

The Winnebago County Health Department offers free vaccinations for eligible children. Call (920) 232-3000 if you have questions or are interested, or contact your county health department.

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