Columbus Public Health Offers Clinics for MMR Vaccine -- 3.31.2014
COLUMBUS PUBLIC HEALTH – Press Release
FOR MONDAY, MARCH 31, 2014
Contact: Jose Rodriguez (614) 645-6928
[email protected]Columbus Public Health Offers Clinics for Measles-Mumps-Rubella (MMR) Vaccine
Extended Hours and Dedicated Staff make it Easier to Protect Health during Outbreak During the ongoing community outbreak of mumps, Columbus Public Health is offering special clinics for the measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine. Vaccines will be available on a walk-in basis, Monday through Friday, at Columbus Public Health, 240 Parsons Ave.
MMR Clinic hours are Mondays, Thursdays and Fridays from 8 a.m.-5 p.m.; Tuesdays from 10 a.m.-7 p.m.; and Wednesdays from 8 a.m.-noon. Vaccines are provided on a sliding fee scale.
“Mumps cases are on the rise in our community, and anyone who has not received any doses or only one dose of MMR should get vaccinated as soon as possible,” says Columbus Public Health Commissioner Dr. Teresa Long. “To protect yourself and your loved ones from mumps, make sure you have received two doses of the MMR vaccine.”
People who were born before 1987 are likely to have received just one or no MMR doses and should be vaccinated. Additionally, people whose parents/guardians objected to vaccinations are also at risk if they did not receive the MMR vaccine. Residents should check with their healthcare provider to get a copy of their vaccination records.
Columbus Public Health continues to investigate a growing number of mumps cases in the community. As of today, 111 cases have been reported in Franklin County. To date, 89 of those cases have been linked to The Ohio State University outbreak.
Mumps is spread by droplets of saliva or mucus from the mouth, nose or throat of an infected person, usually when the person coughs, sneezes or talks, or shares items such as cups or soft drink cans. Complications from mumps can include meningitis, hearing loss and reproductive problems in men and women.
If you become infected with mumps: Stay home for five days after symptoms begin; cover your mouth and nose when you cough or sneeze; and, wash your hands frequently with soap and water.
For more information, visit www.publichealth.columbus.gov.