EL PASO, Texas (KTSM) — The Diocese of El Paso, along with the City of El Paso Department of Public Health, will host two free measles vaccine events on Sunday, May 18.
The event will be from 8 a.m. to noon on May 18 at Queen of Peace Catholic Church, at 1551 Belvidere St., and at St. Stephen Deacon and Martyr, at 1700 George Dieter.
According to the news release by the Diocese, the events are free to the public with no appointment or insurance needed.
People interested in attending the measles vaccine event should bring their shot record if available, according to the Diocese.
The news release said public health officials recommend the measles vaccine to prevent further spread of the disease. Adults under 68 years of age who do not have a record of receiving the vaccine are strongly encouraged to get vaccinated. However, pregnant women and individuals with compromised immune systems should not receive the vaccine.
“Measles is a highly contagious virus that can spread rapidly, particularly among unvaccinated individuals. The measles vaccine is highly effective, with two doses providing approximately 97 percent protection. Although rare, vaccinated individuals may still contract the virus, but they are far less likely to experience severe symptoms or transmit it to others,” the news release read.
Common symptoms of measles include:
- Fever, cough, runny nose, and red eyes.
- Rash that begins on the face and spreads downward.
- Infected individuals are contagious from four days before to four days after the rash appears (Day 0 is the day the rash appears).
Those at risk of contracting measles include:
- Unvaccinated individuals.
- Recent travelers to areas with ongoing measles outbreaks.
- Immunocompromised individuals, including pregnant women, people with HIV, and those undergoing chemotherapy or other immunosuppressive treatments.
Measles can spread through coughing and sneezing and could linger in the air for up to two hours after an infected person has left the area, the news release said.
For more information on measles symptoms, vaccination and potential exposure, you can contact the City of El Paso’s Measles Hotline at (915) 212-HELP (4357), call 211 or visit EPHealth.com under the vaccination and immunization tab.
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