Austin public officials declared a "Vaccines for Children Day" in an effort to stem the tide of measles, a highly contagious disease currently breaking out across Texas, the City of Austin announced on Thursday. Coinciding with the 30th anniversary of the Vaccines for Children Program (VFC), which has distributed over 3 million doses of vaccines to Austin-Travis County kids, the city is taking a stand against the falling vaccination rates that are enabling measles to surge back.
Since its inception in 1994, the VFC has been essential in providing immunizations to children who might not have access due to financial barriers, Dr. Desmar Walkes, the Austin-Travis County Health Authority, stressed the urgency of the situation and the need for vaccinations with the claim that "Unfortunately, our vaccination rates have dropped, allowing measles to rear its head again" in a statement backed by the troubling history of measles in the U.S. Chris Crookham of Austin Public Health valued the partnership of VFC providers for 30 years of aiding the community's health efforts.
The measles outbreak emphasizes the importance of the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine, available through the VFC program and at local doctor’s offices and pharmacies, though prescriptions are necessary for children under 14 at pharmacies, the VFC and Austin Public Health provide these vaccines at their Shots for Tots and Big Shots clinics, aimed to keep the community safe from vaccine-preventable diseases like measles which spreads via airborne particles and can linger for hours.
With a focus on prevention and public safety Austin leadership's proclamation comes at a crucial time as the outbreak of measles, which can infect up to 90% of non-vaccinated people in proximity of an infected individual is on the rise signals a city grappling with public health challenges and taking explicit steps to combat the spread information about the VFC providers and vaccination clinics is available for Austin residents looking to protect their families and neighbors from the current measles threat.
.jpg){kind=link}