BLOOMINGTON—The Indiana Department of Health (IDOH), in collaboration with the Monroe County Health Department, will hold a mobile MMR (measles, mumps, and rubella) vaccine clinic at the Monroe County Public Library Southwest Branch on March 31st from 1:30 p.m. until 5:30 p.m.
This mobile clinic aims to improve access to routine childhood vaccinations by bringing services to a convenient community where families spend time.
Eligible for the clinic are unvaccinated individuals of all ages and adults born after 1957 who received their vaccines between 1962 and 1968.
Children should receive two doses of the MMR vaccine—first at 12-15 months and again at 4-6 years before kindergarten. Anyone under the age of 18 must have a parent or guardian present.
The MMR vaccine is the best way to protect against three highly contagious viruses —
measles, mumps, and rubella:
- Measles can live on surfaces or in the air for up to two hours after an infected person coughs or sneezes. According to IDOH, nine out of ten unvaccinated individuals exposed to measles will become infected.
- Mumps spreads through direct contact with saliva or respiratory droplets and can cause swelling of the salivary glands. In rare cases, it can lead to inflammation of the brain.
- Rubella, sometimes called German measles, is usually mild but can be dangerous during pregnancy, potentially causing severe birth defects.
“Vaccination is the most effective way to prevent measles, mumps, and rubella,” said Lori Kelley, Administrator of the Monroe County Health Department. “By hosting this clinic, we hope to make it easier for community members to protect themselves and their loved ones from these preventable diseases.”
The MMR vaccine is highly effective. After the first dose, 93% of people are protected against measles, 78% against mumps, and 97% against rubella. A second dose increases immunity to 97% for measles and 86% for mumps.
No additional boosters are needed if the vaccine is given according to the recommended U.S. vaccination schedule. If you’re unsure of your vaccination status, check with your healthcare provider
For more information about the MMR vaccine clinic or vaccination guidelines, please contact the Monroe County Public Health Clinic at 812-353-3244.
