WAUSAU, Wis. (WSAW) - The Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS) is urging people in Wisconsin to get vaccinated before the holidays.

Data for the number of Wisconsinites who have received their vaccinations so far shows 22 percent have received the flu shot. While 11 percent of people have been vaccinated against COVID-19.

The numbers might seem low, but DHS Respiratory Disease Epidemiologist Tom Haupt says they're higher than last year's rates.

"So far, we've had about 1.29 million Wisconsinites vaccinated against the flu compared to 1.25 million last year," Haupt said. "Since 2021, our influenza rates have declined. It's the first year that we are seeing an increase in vaccination status, and we're hoping that that trend will continue. As far as COVID-19, we're about at the same as we were in previous years."

Haupt says recent data he's seen showed in the last few months, Wisconsin has a 1-2 percent increase in COVID-19 vaccinations than last year.

The DHS forecast, based on CDC projection models, said this year would likely be milder.

"There are ways and things to look at, especially if vaccine status was declining much more than the models show, it could be a more severe year, but again we're optimistic with the numbers of influenza vaccines and that they are increasing. So far, the model does hold, but things can change," Haupt said.

With just 15 days before Thanksgiving, DHS called a meeting on Wednesday to address vaccine levels.

"It takes at least two weeks to get full protection, and if people get vaccinated right now for flu, they will have protection going into the Thanksgiving holidays," Haupt said.

He also said people will be protected for Christmas and New Year's.

If you are unable to receive your vaccinations before Thanksgiving, Haupt says to aim for before the end of November.

"They're saying between October and the end of November, but people have to make that decision on their own and with the consultation of their clinicians as well," Haupt said.