DHS Continues to Recommend the COVID-19 Vaccine for All Wisconsinites 6 Months and Older As directed by Gov. Tony Evers’ Executive Order #275 the Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS) has reviewed the scientific evidence surrounding the COVID-19 vaccine. Based on this review, DHS issued a statewide standing medical order that allows most Wisconsinites who want the vaccine to get it at pharmacies across the state without a prescription. DHS continues to recommend the COVID-19 vaccine for Wisconsinites 6 months and older during this fall respiratory virus season. This echoes…

(see release)

lucy.pepin

September 12, 2025

DHS Reports Increase in Fall-related Emergency Medical Services Calls Statewide The Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS) has released an updated report finding that emergency medical services (EMS) in Wisconsin responded to over 140,000 falls in 2024, representing a staggering 21% of all 911-related ambulance runs in 2024. This week marks Falls Prevention Week, and DHS encourages Wisconsinites, caregivers, and partner agencies to take steps to reduce fall risk severity. “Falls remain a serious injury and health concern in Wisconsin, and EMS remain crucial in…

(see release)

lucy.pepin

September 11, 2025

New Grant Program, Exceptional Work Highlighted at Substance Use Prevention Conference The Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS) is lifting up substance use prevention efforts across the state through a new grant program and awards recognizing exceptional local work improving the health and safety of individuals and communities. These announcements are part of the 2025 Wisconsin Substance use Prevention Conference, which is wrapping up its two-day run today. “Substance use prevention gives us an opportunity to get ahead of challenges,” said DHS Director of Substance Use…

(see release)

lucy.pepin

September 5, 2025

DHS Distributes Free Xylazine Test Strips, Renews Statewide Naloxone Standing Order for Pharmacies As part of a continued, comprehensive response to the state’s drug overdose epidemic, the Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS) is distributing more than 131,000 xylazine test strips to community organizations and renewing the statewide naloxone standing order for pharmacists. “Drug overdoses are preventable when we know what to do and how to do it,” said DHS Secretary Kirsten Johnson. “When solutions like xylazine test strips and naloxone exist, we must do all we can to make these tools…

(see release)

lucy.pepin

September 3, 2025

Possible Measles Exposures in Wisconsin from Out-of-State Traveler The Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS), in coordination with the St. Croix County and Rock County Health Departments, is working to identify and notify people who may have been exposed to measles from an out-of-state traveler who visited Wisconsin. These exposures to measles are not related to cases previously confirmed in our state. As of August 19, 2025, nine cases of measles have been confirmed in Wisconsin. The investigation has identified two public locations and times where…

(see release)

lucy.pepin

August 19, 2025

DHS Confirms First Cases of Measles in Wisconsin This Year The Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS) and Oconto County Public Health have confirmed nine cases of measles in Oconto County. One case was confirmed through testing at the Wisconsin State Laboratory of Hygiene, with eight additional cases confirmed based on exposure and symptoms. All of the cases were exposed to a common source during out-of-state travel. No additional information will be released due to privacy laws. DHS, in coordination with the Oconto County Public Health, is…

(see release)

lucy.pepin

August 1, 2025

New DHS Data Show School Year Vaccination Rates Held Steady for 2024-2025 School Year As parents and caregivers start back-to-school prep, the Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS) has released school vaccination data for the 2024-2025 school year, which show 86.4% of students met the minimum immunization requirements, a decrease from the previous school year. Unfamiliarity with a new meningitis vaccination requirement for students in grades 7 to 12 is behind the decrease, it may take some time to increase awareness of the requirement to get all students up to date. When…

(see release)

lucy.pepin

July 30, 2025

First Confirmed West Nile Virus Activity Found in Wisconsin This Year The Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS) has confirmed the first West Nile virus (WNV) activity in the state this year. A human case of WNV illness has been reported in a resident of Barron County, and mosquitos collected from Milwaukee and Lafayette Counties have tested positive for WNV. “The first detections of West Nile virus this year are a reminder to take steps to prevent mosquito bites and possible disease. West Nile virus poses a risk to all Wisconsinites, but people who have…

(see release)

lucy.pepin

July 28, 2025

Federal Budget Reconciliation Bill “Devastating” to Wisconsinites’ Access to Health Care, Food Assistance On Friday, July 4, the president signed the budget reconciliation bill (the One Big Beautiful Bill Act), which will increase red tape for FoodShare and Medicaid members and will force 270,000 Wisconsinites to lose health insurance by taking away necessary support for them to afford health care coverage. Gov. Tony Evers and Wisconsin Department of Health Secretary Kirsten Johnson released the following statements: “Republicans’ vote to cut popular programs like Medicaid will have a devastating…

(see release)

lucy.pepin

July 14, 2025

DHS Celebrates 15th Anniversary of Wisconsin’s Smoke-Free Indoor Air Law Saturday, July 5 marks the 15th anniversary of Wisconsin’s smoke-free indoor air law, and the Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS) is celebrating the ways it has protected and improved health of our state’s residents. “Whether working a shift at a local restaurant or heading out with family for a Friday fish fry, Wisconsinites and visitors to our state can rest easy knowing they won’t be exposed to secondhand smoke in public places,” said State Health Officer and Division of Public…

(see release)

lucy.pepin

June 30, 2025