Mobile MMR Vaccine Clinic coming to Monroe County Public Library Southwest Branch March 31

BLOOMINGTON – The Indiana Department of Health (IDOH), in collaboration with the Monroe County Health Department, will offer a mobile MMR (measles, mumps, and rubella) vaccine clinic at the Monroe County Public Library Southwest Branch on March 31st.

The clinic will be held from 1:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. and aims to increase access to routine childhood vaccinations by providing services at a convenient, community-based location.

The clinic is open to unvaccinated individuals of all ages and adults born after 1957 who received their MMR vaccines between 1962 and 1968. Children should receive two doses of the MMR vaccine: the first between 12 and 15 months of age and the second between 4 and 6 years of age before starting kindergarten. Anyone under 18 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.

The MMR vaccine protects against three highly contagious viruses:

• Measles: This virus can live on surfaces or in the air for up to two hours after an infected person coughs or sneezes. The IDOH reports that nine out of ten unvaccinated individuals exposed to measles will become infected.
• Mumps: This virus spreads through direct contact with saliva or respiratory droplets and can cause swelling of the salivary glands. In rare cases, it can lead to inflammation of the brain.
• Rubella (German measles): While usually mild, this virus can be dangerous during pregnancy and may cause serious birth defects.

“Vaccination is the most effective way to prevent measles, mumps, and rubella,” said Lori Kelley, Administrator of the Monroe County Health Department. “By hosting this clinic, we hope to make it easier for community members to protect themselves and their loved ones from these preventable diseases.”

The MMR vaccine is highly effective. The first dose protects 93% of people against measles, 78% against mumps, and 97% against rubella. A second dose increases immunity to 97% for measles and 86% for mumps.

No additional boosters are needed if the vaccine is administered according to the recommended U.S. vaccination schedule. Individuals unsure of their vaccination status should check with their healthcare provider.

For more information about the MMR vaccine clinic or vaccination guidelines, please contact the Monroe County Public Health Clinic at 812-353-3244. Sources and related content.