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Vernon County officials warn low vaccination rates raise measles risk; coalition seeks outreach
Summary
Health staff told the Board of Health Committee that Vernon County has among the lowest routine childhood vaccination rates in Wisconsin and outlined steps — a local immunization coalition, partner messaging and limited vaccine stock — to prepare for possible measles cases.
Vernon County public-health staff told the Board of Health Committee on March 12 that the county's routine childhood vaccination coverage is low and leaves the community vulnerable to highly contagious diseases such as measles. "We are one of the lowest or actually we are the lowest percent vaccinated in the state of Wisconsin," a coalition representative said.
The meeting summarized national context and local preparedness. Staff cited a Texas measles outbreak with 164 cases across nine jurisdictions and one death; there were no confirmed Wisconsin cases reported as of March 5. For the 2024 school cohort the department said two-year, routine-vaccine up-to-date coverage was roughly 34 percent. Committee members and health officials emphasized that measles requires very high coverage (about 90 percent) to prevent spread.
Director Amy Ducharme highlighted resource limits for mass vaccination: "The amount of communicable disease funding that I get from the state is $3,800 a year. The immunization money that we get is around $10,000 a year," she said, stressing that the department relies on partners and state support for large responses.
Officials explained the response plan: clinicians report suspected cases to the health department, exposed people should be vaccinated within 72 hours when feasible, and the department would request vaccine from the state or the national stockpile for a broader campaign. Staff estimated the department currently holds about 20 vaccine doses and would pull in hospital and neighboring-county capacity for mass efforts.
Committee members pressed on contingency planning, quarantine authority and communications. A physician on the committee urged proactive planning because of measles' high transmissibility, and staff said the immunization coalition will pursue collaborative messaging so information comes from multiple local partners rather than a single source.
The department will continue monitoring, coordinating with clinics and school partners, and promoting upcoming public outreach events and trainings to raise vaccination uptake.
