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Is Wisconsin's flu vaccination rate declining?

By Hope Karnopp
YES

According to data from the Wisconsin Department of Health Services, flu shot rates in Wisconsin have fallen in the past couple seasons. As of Dec. 8, 31% of Wisconsinites — about 1.83 million — have received the flu shot during the 2022-23 flu season. During the 2021-22 season, 2,147,516 Wisconsinites (37%) received a shot by December. During the 2020-2021 season, 2,408,722 Wisconsinites (41%) did.

The Wisconsin Department of Health Services tracks influenza vaccination rates among six age groups. As of Dec. 8, Wisconsinites 65 years and older had the highest percentage, at 63.3%. Residents ages of 18 -49 had the lowest rate, at 19.7%.

The Centers for Disease Control recommends getting a flu shot by the end of October, but vaccination after October "can still provide protection during the peak of flu season."

Health officials say Wisconsinites aged six months and older can get a flu shot and a COVID-19 booster at the same time.

This fact brief is responsive to conversations such as this one.
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Wisconsin Watch, the news arm of the nonpartisan, nonprofit Wisconsin Center for Investigative Journalism, increases the quality and quantity of investigative reporting in Wisconsin, while training current and future investigative journalists. Its work fosters an informed citizenry and strengthens democracy.
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