In response to the ongoing measles outbreak in South Carolina and to help safeguard Guilford County residents, the Guilford County Division of Public Health is expanding access to measles vaccinations.
Additional opportunities to receive the MMR (measles, mumps, and rubella) vaccine will be offered through special offsite immunization clinics at several community locations. These extended hours are designed to make it easier for residents to get vaccinated with the MMR vaccine, which provides protection against measles and helps prevent the disease from spreading within the community. Increasing vaccination coverage is especially important for protecting vulnerable populations who cannot receive the vaccine, including newborns, people undergoing cancer treatment, and individuals with weakened immune systems.
Measles is a highly contagious, vaccine-preventable disease that is spread by direct person-to-person contact as well as through the air. The virus can live for up to two hours in the air where the infected person was present. Symptoms of measles usually begin seven to 14 days after exposure, but can appear up to 21 days after exposure and may include: high fever (may spike to more than 104 degrees); cough; runny nose; red, watery eyes (conjunctivitis); tiny white spots on the inner cheeks, gums, and roof of the mouth (Koplik Spots) two to three days after symptoms begin; and a rash that is red, raised, and blotchy that usually starts on the face and spreads to the trunk, arms, and legs three to five days after symptoms begin.
The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services continues to recommend all unvaccinated individuals ages one year and older receive the MMR vaccine to protect themselves and those around them. Individuals should also talk with their provider about vaccination before traveling either internationally or to an outbreak area in the United States.
“Vaccination is the most effective way to protect yourself, your family, and our community from measles,” said Courtney McFadden, Guilford County Public Health Director. “By extending clinic hours, we hope to make it more convenient for everyone, especially families and working residents, to get vaccinated.”
The Guilford County Division of Public Health will offer extended-hour clinics for the MMR vaccination on the following dates at designated community locations. Walk-ins are welcome; no appointment is required.
- March 10 (4 to 7 p.m.)
Leonard Community Recreation Center (6324 Ballinger Road, Greensboro) - March 12 (4 to 7 p.m.)
Carl Chavis Memorial YMCA (2757 Granville Street, High Point) - March 17 (4 to 7 p.m.)
Mary Perry Ragsdale Family YMCA (900 Bonner Drive, Jamestown) - March 19 (4 to 7 p.m.)
Griffin Community Recreation Center (5301 Hilltop Road, Greensboro) - March 23 (4 to 7 p.m.)
Lindley Community Recreation Center (2907 Springwood Drive, Greensboro) - March 24 (4 to 7 p.m.)
Nathanael S. Morehead Recreation Center (101 Price Street, High Point) - March 26 (4 to 7 p.m.)
Glenwood Community Recreation Center (2010 Coliseum Boulevard, Greensboro) - March 31 (4 to 7 p.m.)
Warnersville Community Recreation Center (601 Doak Street, Greensboro) - April 1 (1 to 4 p.m.)
Warnersville Community Recreation Center (601 Doak Street, Greensboro)
The expanded hours build upon immunizations already offered by the Guilford County Division of Public Health Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. in Greensboro (1100 East Wendover Avenue) and High Point (501 East Green Drive) locations. Call 336-641-3245 to schedule an appointment at these locations.
Please ensure that your, or your child’s, health insurance (including Medicaid) information and immunization records are readily available at the time of your visit to an extended-hour community clinic or at the Guilford County Division of Public Health’s Greensboro or High Point locations. A parent or guardian will need to be present with children during your visit.
MMR vaccinations also are available from local health care providers and select pharmacies.