MILWAUKEE — It is still summer, and school is still more than a month away for most students across Wisconsin. But that isn't stopping conversations about health among local officials.

What You Need To Know

  • Milwaukee is holding two back-to-school health fairs

  • Their focus is on getting students vaccinated before the first day of school, which is September 2

  • Milwaukee Public Schools is requiring masks to be worn indoors and on buses this fall

  • The CDC recommends students and staff in all school settings to wear a mask regardless of vaccination status 

“If you’re a kid in the city of Milwaukee, you’re probably not thinking, ‘Oh, I can’t wait to go back to school,’” said Milwaukee Mayor Tom Barrett Wednesday morning. 

But the city, health department and Milwaukee Public School District are working hard to make sure the return to the classroom is safe for everyone. 

“After navigating between virtual and hybrid classes last year, we know everyone is eager to get back in the classroom, but we need to focus on doing so safely,” said Kirsten Johnson, Milwaukee’s health commissioner. 

AP Photo

On Tuesday, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control announced new mask guidance for schools, saying everyone — whether vaccinated or not — should wear a mask inside school settings. 

Milwaukee Public Schools announced in June masks are required for the upcoming fall semester and said the schools will continue with other safety measures to slow the spread of COVID-19, and the surging delta variant. 

“Social distancing, plexiglass barriers, as well as pushing in fresh air in the morning, two hours in the morning and two hours in the afternoon,” noted Dr. Keith Posley, MPS superintendent. 

But, Milwaukee’s health commissioner said masking and those extra measures aren’t enough. 

“I cannot stress the importance of immunizations enough, but this year especially, we need to make sure our kids are protected,” Johnson said. "The most effective way to combat COVID-19 and the delta variant is through vaccination.”

That’s why over the next two weeks, MPS will be holding two back-to-school health fairs, with the intent to help students get vaccinated. COVID-19 vaccines will be available for any student 12 years and older, and all other required childhood vaccines will also be available at both health fairs. 

Parents will be required to be with their students to receive any of the vaccines. They can also get the COVID-19 vaccine with their child if they have not done so already. 

Barrett said he understands there may be some reasons why people cannot get the vaccine, but pushed back against what he believes is misinformation about the shots on Wednesday. 

“I can’t allow, as mayor, these false statements to go unchallenged,” Barrett said. "The earth is not flat, and the vaccine works.”

Milwaukee’s traditional first day of school is September 2, which is enough time for eligible students to receive both shots of the Pfizer vaccine. 

School and city health leaders would like to see as many students vaccinated by the first day of school. 

The back-to-school health fairs are Friday, July 30 at Barack Obama School, and then on Friday, August 6, at the Southside Health Center. 

Both events will run from 10 a.m. until 3 p.m.

The Milwaukee County Zoo is giving free zoo passes to students who get the COVID-19 vaccine at the health fair, and to those who attend and can prove they’ve already been vaccinated. 

Students can also pick up backpacks filled with school supplies at the health fair.