WISCONSIN (WTAQ-WLUK) — Wisconsin health officials are anxiously looking ahead to the holiday season as they report lower vaccination rates.
Children’s Wisconsin and the Medical College of Wisconsin hosted a discussion Friday to express their concerns about the low vaccinations for influenza.
“When I see the rates of vaccine and the trends we’re seeing in Wisconsin right before Thanksgiving and right now,” said Pediatrician Dave Margolis, “I’m anxious about the holiday season.”
Margolis continued, saying it’s clear to him that the amount of influenza in Wisconsin is spiking.
Children’s Wisconsin says there’s been a significant increase in the number of daily hospitalizations this flu season, which is beginning earlier than normal.
Over seven percent of outpatient medical visits last week were due to flu-like illnesses, according to Children’s Wisconsin.
Officials encouraged anyone who is able to get vaccinated to go to a pharmacy — protecting those who cannot get vaccinated against illness and, also, keeping doctor’s offices open for those who are sick.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 4 million fewer doses of the flu vaccine for adults have been given at doctor’s offices and pharmacies across the country compared to this time last flu season.
Officials also explained why we may be seeing this spike in the flu.
“The last few years through the pandemic, we protected ourself by social distancing, by wearing masks and so we didn’t have a lot of influenza cases,” explained Pharmacy Professor Karen MacKinnon. “Well, now, we are in contact with each other, we are unmasked, we are anticipating more social gathering and we could have these contacts with potential influenza carriers.”
McKinnon continued, explaining that it takes two weeks for the flu vaccine to take effect — meaning now is the time to get vaccinated if you want to protect yourself and others this holiday season.
To find more information about the flu vaccine and how to schedule an appointment, visit vaccines.gov.
