Immunizations Are Their Superpower Against Disease!

Outbreaks of preventable diseases are less likely when kids receive their routine vaccinations. Did you know that Winnebago County Public Health provides free immunizations for children that qualify for the Vaccines For Children (VFC) Program?

Who Qualifies?

The Vaccines For Children Program provides childhood vaccines at no charge for those who:

• Have no Insurance
• Receive medical Assistance (includes BadgerCare)
• Have Native American or Native Alaskan Heritage

Clinic Details:

These clinics are offered at our Oshkosh location the 2nd Tuesday of the month, by appointment. Call 920-232-3000 to schedule.

Learn More:

DHS: Wisconsin Immunization Program, Immunization Requirements

CDC: Vaccines & Immunizations

Immunize.org: Vaccine Information

Your Local Epidemiologist: Childhood Vaccinations: Top 12 Questions

Measles Update:

The CDC is reporting a total of 164 measles cases in 9 states: Alaska, California, Georgia, Kentucky, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York City, Rhode Island, and Texas. This information is updated here every Friday. As of Thursday, March 6th, there has been 1 confirmed death from the Measles in 2025.

While Wisconsin continues to have no confirmed measles cases, individuals are encouraged to make sure they are up to date with the measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine.

To access your vaccine records, you can visit the Wisconsin Immunization Registry (WIR), contact your primary care provider, or contact public health at (920) 232-3000.

National Groundwater Awareness Week: March 9th - 15th

Are you a water well owner? If so, you are responsible for safeguarding your water quality. How do you do that? Repeat after us: Test, Tend, and Treat!

1. Test your well water annually.
2. Tend to your well system by having a water well professional inspect and maintain your well system, and keep contamination sources far from the well.
3. Treat your water if necessary.

How do you get your well tested?

The National Ground Water Association recommends contacting a local water well contractor to conduct routine annual maintenance checks to ensure the proper operation of the well and prolong its years of service, as well as to monitor the water quality.

Your checkup should include:

• A flow test, a check of the water level before and during pumping (if possible), pump motor performance, and pressure tank and pressure switch contact.
• An inspection of well equipment to assure that it is sanitary and meets local code requirements.
• A test of your water for coliform bacteria and nitrates, and anything else of local concern. (Such as arsenic in Winnebago County, WI) Other typical additional tests may include iron, manganese, water hardness, sulfides, and other water constituents that cause problems with plumbing, staining, water appearance, and odor. Changes in these constituents also may indicate changes in your well or local groundwater. Additional tests may be recommended if water appears cloudy or oily, if bacterial growth is visible on fixtures, or water treatment devices are not working as they should.
• A concise, clear, written report should be delivered to you following the checkup that explains results and recommendations and includes all laboratory and other test results. Find out more about annual inspections here.

Resources:

WellTAP Program: The Wisconsin Well Testing Access Program (WellTAP) provides no cost testing to private well users that meet the following qualifications:

• The well serves a pregnant person, child under 12, or a person with a weakeend immune system.
• The well is at a primary residence, and a burden prevents the well user from testing on their own.
• Contact us at 920-232-3000 to find out if you qualify.

DNR: Well compensation grant program: This ARPA Grant Program provides up to $16,000 in eligible costs for water well replacement for eligible families and businesses (families making <$100,000 per year). Check here to see if you qualify.

It's Not Luck, It's Preparedness!

The goal of Public Health Emergency Preparedness (PHEP) is to build a more resilient community that is prepared to deal with and rapidly recover from threats and emergencies that effect our residents.

No two emergency events are the same, and being prepared is not a one size fits all process. However, everyone can be prepared. Having a preparedness mindset helps individuals, families and communities thrive during the emergency.

Fostering a preparedness mindset:



• Be Informed & Stay Informed. The more you know, the more confident you will be to respond to a variety of threats that may impact you. What are your potential threats? Is it severe weather, or do you live in an area that experiences frequent power outages? Knowing your local resources is key. Who are the people, agencies, organizations, and partners you could count on during a crisis event?
• Make a Kit. Include copies of important documents, a few snacks, water, first aid kit, flashlight, and a phone charger stored in a safe location you can easily access if leaving in a hurry. 
• Make a Plan. Develop a household communication plan in case of an emergency. Know your evacuation routes, and have a list of emergency contacts you can access without your phone or internet if necessary.

Threats to the public can arise from natural or man-made causes and can lead to the onset of public health incidents. Preparedness is something everyone can do to feel more confident when issues do arise. Public Health is here to support, guide, help, and encourage individuals, families, and communities to thrive before, during, and after all hazards.

Learn More:

Visit our WCPH website at: wchd.pub/Preparedness for a full list of preparedness items and ideas.

DHS: Emergency Preparedness Resources

U.S. Department of Homeland Security: Ready.gov

Spring Break



Spring break is almost here!  Whether you're traveling internationally or taking a road trip, this safe travel checklist from Wisconsin DHS has some important tips! Here are some other reminders to ensure you and your fellow travelers have a great trip:

• Sun Smarts: Apply and reapply sunscreen with at least SPF 30.
• Hydration is Key: Keep a water bottle handy and sip throughout the day to stay hydrated.
• Swim Safely: Only swim in designated areas and never alone. Keep an eye on each other to ensure everyone enjoys the water without worry.
• Road Trip Wisdom: Check your car's essentials before heading out, and take turns driving to avoid fatigue.

Learn More: 

DHS: Traveler Health: What you need to know CDC: Travelers' Health Information Center

WHO: Travel Advice

Staff Spotlight: Get to Know Maeve!

How long have you been working at WCPH?

2 Years!

Please describe your role in 3 sentences.

As an Environmental Health Specialist I conduct inspections across a diverse range of establishments, including restaurants, retail stores, pools, and hotels, to ensure compliance with health and safety regulations. Additionally, I manage the county’s Carbon Monoxide Program and oversee other environmental health initiatives, contributing to a safer and healthier community.

What is one WCPH accomplishment that you feel particularly proud of?

One accomplishment I take great pride in is earning my certification as a Lead Risk Assessor for the State of Wisconsin. This credential enables me to collaborate with my team in identifying lead paint and hazards within the Lead Poisoned Children's Program. Through this work, we contribute to creating safer, lead-free homes, helping to protect the health and well-being of our community.

What project at WCPH are you most excited about right now and why?

I am currently excited to be leading the revamp of our Environmental Health Newsletter. This newsletter is distributed to our licensed establishments, providing them with important updates and valuable information that supports our community in creating safer environments

What do you love about working at WCPH?

What I love most about my work is being part of an incredible environmental health team. I’m truly fortunate to work alongside such supportive and knowledgeable colleagues. Their mentorship has been invaluable to my professional growth, helping me expand my expertise and advance in my career. Beyond that, I’ve built lasting friendships that make this journey even more rewarding.

What do you want the community to know about you?

I want the community to know that I’m a proud graduate of the University of Wisconsin Oshkosh with a degree in Environmental Health. I love this community so much that I chose to stay, live, and work here after graduating, and I’m committed to helping keeping it a safe and healthy place for everyone.

What's an interesting/fun fact about you?

I am originally from the Chicago suburbs, and in my free time, I love playing pickleball as well as hiking our local trails!

National Public Health Week: April 7th - 13th 2025

Join us in celebrating the 30th anniversary of National Public Health week!

Public health starts with each one of us making a difference in our homes and communities. It’s how the places we live, work and play affect our well-being. Each year the American Public Health Association (APHA) unites communities nationwide to celebrate NPHW, recognizing public health contributions and addressing key health issues. 

This year Winnebago County Public Health (WCPH) is holding the following events in celebration of National Public Health Week:

Monday, April 7th:

Harm Reduction/Breaking The Overdose Stigma

Vinnie's Pantry, 1425 South Commercial Street, Neenah, WI, 54956, Doors open at 4, presentation begins at 4:30

Tuesday, April 8th:

Harm Reduction, Immunization & General WCPH Question & Answer Open House

Winneconne Library, 31 S 2nd St, Winneconne, WI 54986, 4 - 5:30 PM

Wednesday, April 9th:

Intergenerational Bingocize®, Immunization & General WCPH Question & Answers

Omro Community Center, 1005 E Main St, Omro, WI 54963, Doors open at 4, Bingocize® starts at 4:30

Thursday, April 10th:

How To Thrive In Any Emergency: Emergency Tips from a Preparedness Specialist

Oshkosh Seniors Center, 200 N Campbell Rd, Oshkosh, WI 54902, 1 - 2 PM

All are welcome! Call (920) 232-5300 to register!

NEW! Free At-Home HIV and STI Tests

The Wisconsin Department of Health Services has announced a partnership with Simple HealthKit to offer a limited supply of free at-home test kits that provide confirmatory results for chlamydia, gonorrhea, and trichomoniasis, and preliminary results for HIV and syphilis.

How does it work?

Wisconsin residents 18 and older can request free test kits using Simple HealthKit's secure web portal. Simple HealthKit will ship the tests in discreet packaging. Each package will include instructions in English and Spanish. Individuals will then administer their at-home test and return the sample in the mail using provided return packaging.



Simple HealthKit will process the samples in their lab and notify residents when their test results are available in the online portal. Test results will be available within 24 to 48 hours after the sample arrives at the lab. Disease intervention specialists from DHS will conduct follow-up with anyone who tests positive and connect them to further testing or treatment as needed.