The Arkansas Department of Health (ADH) is organizing a measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine clinic at the Don Owen Sports Complex in Conway on May 13. The clinic will run from 1 to 7 p.m., offering vaccines at no cost. Attendees are encouraged to bring their insurance card if available.
This initiative comes as six cases of measles have been identified this year, with community spread confirmed in Faulkner County. Updates on exposure locations and case counts can be found at www.healthy.arkansas.gov.
Measles is known for being highly contagious and can lead to severe health issues. Symptoms include fever, cough, runny nose, conjunctivitis, and rash. Individuals are infectious four days before and after the appearance of a rash. The MMR vaccine offers long-lasting protection against these diseases.
Due to community spread evidence in Faulkner County, updated vaccine recommendations apply to residents or travelers in Faulkner and surrounding counties: Cleburne, Conway, Lonoke, Perry, Pulaski, Van Buren, and White. Children aged six to 11 months can receive a "zero" dose of the MMR vaccine. Those who receive this early dose should still follow up with two additional doses according to the routine schedule at 12 months and then between four to six years of age. Individuals over 12 months can complete a series of two doses with the second dose administered at least 28 days after the first.
People who have received two doses of the MMR vaccine or were born before 1957 are generally considered immune. Further information is available by visiting Measles (Rubeola) – Arkansas Department of Health or calling 1-866-940-7568.
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