Health officials say child vaccination rates are lagging behind pre-pandemic levels

 

MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) --- Doctors are growing concerned about lagging immunization rates as students prepare to head back to school.

Last year, more than 20 million kids missed a routine vaccine. That's according to the World Health Organization.

Wisconsin health officials say vaccination rates for kids are slightly lower than before the pandemic. That's why a community health center on Milwaukee's north side is getting kids ready to head back to the classroom.

Keisha Carter-Ndon is director of clinical operations at Progressive Community Health Center.

"Progressive is a federally funded health center, and our goal is to provide access to healthcare to underserved populations within the community," she said.

As students prepare to head back to school, a light is being shined on the importance of immunizations. As vaccination rates vary statewide for those under the age of 18, health officials say lack of access is one of the main reasons, also affordability.

"We wanted to make sure we were here giving the resources and the tools that people needed so that they can get immediate service," said Carter-Ndon.

Shana Brown with Molina Healthcare of Wisconsin echoed that point.

"We just want to ensure that we are here to help individuals however they may need it," she said.

While there are many barriers keeping kids from getting their shots, community partners say resources are available for families who need help or want to learn more.

"When it comes to immunizations, we want to make sure that kids are having a healthy start and being safe. We do it like this in the community just to make sure that people have easy access to it," said Brown.

Families are encouraged to reach out to their local health departments to learn more about resources available to get kids ready to go back to school.