Walgreens announced today that measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccinations are available at all Tennessee, Arkansas, Kentucky and Mississippi locations.
No appointment is necessary at Walgreens pharmacies and
Healthcare Clinics. The vaccination may be covered by insurance. Age restrictions vary by state. Measles cases have been reported in Tennessee.
“We support the recommendations of health officials and stress that vaccination is the best protection against measles,” Walgreens Regional Healthcare Director Gene Hoover said. “Walgreens pharmacists and Healthcare Clinic nurse practitioners play an important role by providing more convenient access to vaccinations and other preventive services throughout the community.”
Measles (Rubeola) is highly contagious and spreads when the
infected person coughs or sneezes. The virus can live up to two hours in the
air or on surfaces. Infected individuals are contagious for four days before
and after the rash appears.
Mumps causes the salivary glands to swell, producing puffy cheeks and swollen jaws. The disease can last more than two weeks. Adults can suffer from severe complications, including inflammation of the brain, ovaries, or testicles. It can also cause deafness.
Rubella, also known as the three-day measles, is also spread by coughing and sneezing. Infected individuals are contagious up to seven days before the rash appears and seven days afterward. Between 20 percent and 50 percent of infected individuals do not develop a rash. If a pregnant woman is infected, the virus can affect the baby.
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