Friday, Dec. 9, 2022
Is Wisconsin’s flu vaccination rate declining?
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
About fact briefs
Fact briefs are bite-sized, well-sourced explanations that offer clear "yes" or "no" answers to questions, confusions, and unsupported claims circulating online. They rely on publicly available data and documents, often from the original source. Fact briefs are written and published by Gigafact contributor publications.
See all fact briefs
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.
Learn MoreLatest Fact Briefs
Is Wisconsin one of only six states with same-day voter registration?
Monday, Feb. 17, 2025
Do recent studies link water fluoridation with less dental decay in children?
Friday, Feb. 14, 2025
Are airline flights the safest mode of transportation in the U.S.?
Tuesday, Feb. 11, 2025