Conway, Arkansas – The Arkansas Department of Health (ADH) is holding a vital measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine clinic in Conway on May 13, aimed at curbing the recent rise in measles cases in the area. The clinic will be open from 1 to 7 p.m. at the Don Owen Sports Complex, located at 10 Lower Ridge Rd. in Conway. This important public health initiative is being provided at no cost to the public, though individuals are encouraged to bring their insurance cards if they have one.
The clinic is in response to a concerning uptick in measles cases across the state, with six confirmed cases identified so far this year. Notably, community spread has been detected in Faulkner County, prompting the ADH to act swiftly in offering a vaccination opportunity for those in and around the affected area.
Measles is a highly contagious disease that can cause severe health complications, especially in young children. Early symptoms of measles include fever, cough, runny nose, conjunctivitis, and a telltale rash. What makes measles particularly concerning is the fact that those infected are contagious both four days before and four days after the rash appears, which increases the risk of spreading the disease to others.
To combat the spread of measles, the ADH is strongly encouraging anyone living in or traveling to Faulkner County and the surrounding areas—including Cleburne, Conway, Lonoke, Perry, Pulaski, Van Buren, and White counties—to get vaccinated. The ADH has issued updated vaccination recommendations for residents in these areas, especially since evidence of community spread has been confirmed.
Children as young as six months old can receive an early dose of the MMR vaccine, referred to as the “zero” dose, which is a crucial preventive measure during outbreaks. If a child receives this dose between six and 11 months of age, they will still need to receive the standard two doses at 12 months and again at four to six years of age, as part of the routine vaccination schedule.
For anyone over the age of 12 months, two doses of the MMR vaccine are required to be fully protected. The second dose must be administered at least 28 days after the first dose. Fortunately, most people who have received two doses of the MMR vaccine or were born before 1957 are considered immune to the disease.
The ADH has also provided a detailed map of measles exposure locations, which can be accessed and updated regularly at the state’s official health website: www.healthy.arkansas.gov. The department has set up a dedicated hotline at 1-866-940-7568 for anyone seeking further information or having questions regarding the MMR vaccine or measles-related concerns.
The MMR vaccine is one of the most effective tools in preventing the spread of measles and can provide long-lasting protection against the virus. The clinic on May 13 offers an excellent opportunity for residents to get vaccinated for free and help protect themselves and their communities.
The ADH urges all eligible individuals to take advantage of this important event to ensure they are fully protected. Vaccination not only helps protect individuals but also safeguards the broader community by preventing the spread of the highly contagious measles virus.
For more information on measles, vaccination schedules, or to find out more about the upcoming vaccine clinic, residents can visit the Arkansas Department of Health’s website or contact the department’s helpline. The ADH continues to emphasize the importance of timely vaccinations in maintaining the health and safety of Arkansas residents.
With the rise in cases and the ongoing efforts to control the spread of measles, public health initiatives like this vaccine clinic play a critical role in safeguarding public health, particularly in communities with identified risks of outbreak. The ADH continues to work diligently to combat the spread of preventable diseases and to ensure the well-being of the Arkansas population.
