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FACT BRIEF

Is Wisconsin's flu vaccination rate declining?

By Hope Karnopp
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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.
Sources
Wisconsin Department Of Health Services Immunizations: Influenza Vaccine Data
Wisconsin Public Radio Wisconsin health leaders encourage flu shots ahead of what may be a more severe season for the virus
Wisconsin Department Of Health Services Wisconsin Influenza Vaccine Update: 2019–2021
Centers for Disease Control Frequently Asked Influenza (Flu) Questions: 2022-2023 Season
Wisconsin Department Of Health Services DHS Urges Wisconsinites to Protect Themselves Against Respiratory Viruses this Holiday Season
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Fact briefs are short, credibly sourced summaries that offer “yes/no” answers in response to claims found online. They rely on publicly available, often primary source data and documents. Fact briefs are created by contributors to Gigafact —a nonprofit project looking to expand participation in fact-checking and protect the democratic process. See all fact briefs here.