The Arkansas Department of Health (ADH) will hold a measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine clinic at the Don Owen Sports Complex at 10 Lower Ridge Rd. in Conway on May 13 from 1 to 7 p.m. The vaccine will be provided at no cost, but people should bring their insurance card if they have one.
There are currently six cases of measles that have been identified this year. Community spread has been identified in Faulkner County. Measles exposure locations and case counts are updated at www.healthy.arkansas.gov.
Measles is a highly contagious illness that can cause severe health complications. Symptoms include fever, cough, runny nose, conjunctivitis, and rash. Patients are infectious for both four days before and after they develop a rash. The MMR vaccine can provide long-lasting protection.
Because there is evidence of community spread in Faulkner County, vaccine recommendations for anyone living in or traveling to that county and surrounding counties (Cleburne, Conway, Lonoke, Perry, Pulaski, Van Buren and White) have been updated. All children six to 11 months of age can receive a dose of the MMR vaccine, known as a “zero” dose. If children get a “zero” dose of MMR vaccine at six to 11 months of age, they should still be vaccinated with two more doses of MMR vaccine according to the routine schedule at 12 months and then four to six years of age. Anyone over 12 months of age can complete a series of two MMR vaccine doses with the second dose at least 28 days after the first dose.
People who have received two doses of the MMR vaccine or were born before 1957 are generally considered immune. For more information, visit Measles (Rubeola) – Arkansas Department of Health or call (866) 940-7568.