Wisconsin Recognizes Health Care Providers for Vaccination Efforts
The Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS) has acknowledged the critical role of health care providers in safeguarding children’s health by announcing the recipients of the annual Wisconsin BigShot awards. This year, the awards honor 90 providers who have ensured that children remain current on essential vaccinations, including those for measles, pertussis, meningitis, and HPV.
“Vaccines continue to be the safest and most effective way to prevent many of the diseases that used to cause serious illnesses and deaths,” stated State Health Officer Paula Tran, highlighting the dedication of health care experts in the state. These professionals are celebrated for their commitment to understanding the latest science and safety information, addressing parent concerns, and protecting both children and communities from vaccine-preventable diseases.
Recent measles outbreaks in various U.S. states have underscored the necessity of keeping vaccinations up to date. Although the majority of parents choose to vaccinate, the DHS childhood and adolescent vaccine data dashboard reveals that 18.6% of 24-month-old children in Wisconsin remain unprotected against measles, increasing their vulnerability to the disease. Furthermore, a report from the CDC indicates that Wisconsin lags behind in vaccinating against other diseases, such as polio and DTaP.
The BigShot awards recognize providers who excel in updating Wisconsin children’s vaccinations. The awards are categorized into four groups:
- Providers with 90% or more of patients aged 24-36 months up to date with 4 doses of DTaP, 3 doses of poliovirus, 1 dose of MMR, 3 doses of Hib, 3 doses of HepB, 1 dose of varicella, and 4 doses of PCV.
- Providers with 80% or more of patients aged 13-17 years up to date on Tdap, Meningococcal vaccines, and complete HPV series.
- Providers with 95% or more of patients having at least 1 dose of MMR by 24 months of age.
- Providers with 95% or more of patients aged 5-6 years having 2 doses of MMR.
The complete list of award recipients and additional information about the categories can be accessed on the DHS Wisconsin BigShot webpage. For more details on vaccine safety studies, their impact, and vaccination procedures, visit the DHS get the facts page.
For comprehensive data on Wisconsin’s childhood and adolescent vaccination rates, consult the DHS childhood and adolescent vaccine data dashboard. Caregivers interested in their child’s vaccination history can refer to the Wisconsin Immunization Registry or contact a trusted health care provider.
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