SSM Health, UnityPoint Health-Meriter, UW Health and Public Health Madison & Dane County are asking that all community members ensure they are vaccinated against measles after reports of it surfacing in Wisconsin.
Individuals should confirm their vaccination status by reviewing their records or by receiving the measles, mumps and rubella vaccine, also known as the MMR vaccine.
One dose protects about 93% of people, while two doses of the vaccine are about 97% effective at preventing measles, and the vaccination often lasts a lifetime, according to Dr. Jim Conway, medical director of the immunization program at UW Health.
“Many adults never had these vaccines as children and should strongly consider getting immunized if they are unsure,” Conway, who is also a professor of pediatrics at the University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, said in a statement. “Check the Wisconsin Immunization Registry, or contact your health care provider, to find out if you’ve received the MMR vaccine. If you haven’t, or you need a booster, contact your provider or your local pharmacy to get the shot.”
Measles is a highly contagious viral infection that continues to circulate around the world. Cases have been increasing across North America recently, largely due to decreasing immunization rates in children, after the disease was considered eliminated for decades.
SSM Health, UnityPoint Health-Meriter and UW Health, as well as most local pharmacies, all offer the MMR vaccine. Appointments are preferred but not required at many locations and can be made by calling the clinic or via MyChart. To schedule an appointment at the UW Health John Wall Drive Thru Clinic, call 608-422-8100.
