Health department readies measles vaccine; clinics on San Juan, Tuesday, Orcas, Wednesday

The San Juan County Health Department will conduct immunization clinics in Friday Harbor on Tuesday, April 8 and on Orcas Wednesday, April 9. If you do not have a regular health care provider, call the Health Department and make an appointment to get immunized now.

In the wake of the recent outbreak of measles on San Juan Island, the San Juan County Health Department once again urges adults who are around young children, parents, and grandparents to ensure they are fully immunized.

If you cannot get an appointment with your health care provider, call the Health Department at 378-4474, where vaccinations will be available this week.

The Health Department will conduct immunization clinics in Friday Harbor on Tuesday, April 8 and on Orcas Wednesday, April 9. If you do not have a regular health care provider, call the Health Department and make an appointment to get immunized now.

If you or your child older than 12 months of age has not received a dose of MMR vaccine, you should be vaccinated now. If you or your child older than 12 months of age has received one dose of MMR vaccine more than 28 days ago, you should now receive a second dose of MMR vaccine.

Most adults born before 1957 have had measles and can be considered to be immune.

Currently there are a total of four cases of measles on San Juan Island. The Health Department is conducting two additional investigations to determine if there are other measles cases. The current known cases are limited to close contacts and family members of the first confirmed case.

If you are unsure of your immunization status or have other questions, contact your health care provider or the San Juan County Department of Health & Community Services at 378-4474.