In response to the spike in measles cases across Texas, major pharmacy chains like CVS Health and Walgreens have reported a significant rise in the demand for MMR (measles, mumps, rubella) vaccines. As part of their efforts to combat the spread of the virus, CVS announced on Monday that MMR vaccines would be available at over 875 of its Texas locations, including CVS Pharmacy and MinuteClinic branches. Austin Mayor Kirk Watson, acknowledging the severity of the situation, expressed the urgency of the moment, saying, "The time we have been preparing for is here," in a statement after Austin confirmed its first measles case.
Further illustrating the concern, Austin-Travis County Health Authority Dr. Desmar Walkes told CBS Austin that the state has seen 148 measles cases this year, with 18 resulting in hospitalization. The measles virus, which is highly contagious and can linger in the air for up to two hours, can also spread from infected individuals four days before they exhibit a rash. Emphasizing the importance of vaccination, Travis County Judge Andy Brown stated, "By not vaccinating your child at the proper ages of 12-15 months, and then again at 4-6 years, you're putting other infant children at risk. You're putting our community's life at risk."
Walgreens has also experienced a surge in vaccinations, particularly in West Texas, where they say there has been a 137% increase in MMR doses administered year over year. A spokeswoman for Walgreens said, "In Texas, administrations have doubled week over week, with half of those additional vaccinations in our West Texas area," as reported by the Reporter-Telegram. Both pharmacy chains are working with wholesalers to ensure adequate vaccine supply given the upsurge in demand.
CVS has welcomed patients over the age of 14 for vaccinations at its pharmacies, while the MinuteClinic providers administer the second recommended dose for children aged 4-6. Although the first recommended dose for children 12-15 months old isn't available at CVS locations, the company assures that most pharmacies have the MMR vaccine in stock. Nevertheless, CVS encourages making an appointment to ensure vaccine availability. H-E-B, another Texas pharmacy, has echoed this confidence in vaccine supply within its West Texas locations, ensuring the public that their pharmacies have an ample supply. Throughout the state, health officials are emphasizing that two doses of the MMR vaccine are 97% effective at preventing measles, a statistic that underscores the critical role vaccination plays in public health safety.
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