For Immediate Release

November 1, 2018

COLUMBIA, S.C. – The South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control (DHEC) is currently investigating a case of measles in Spartanburg county and is carrying out measures to prevent the spread of the highly contagious disease. In an effort to reach parents with young children who need to be vaccinated, DHEC is hosting a Measles, Mumps, and Rubella (MMR) vaccine clinic on Friday, Nov. 2 at the Inman WIC Clinic located at 6 S. Howard St, Inman, SC 29349. The vaccine clinic will run from 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.  No appointments are necessary, and the vaccines are being provided at no cost.  Children under the age of 16 will need to be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian.  

“Increasing coverage of the MMR vaccine is the most important measure to prevent future measles cases,” says Dr. Linda Bell, DHEC's state epidemiologist.  “About 93 percent of people vaccinated with one dose have permanent protection and about 97 percent get protection after two doses of MMR vaccine.” 

Measles is especially dangerous for infants and young children. It is recommended children get two doses of the MMR vaccine, the first at 12 to 15 months and a booster dose at 4 to 6 years of age (before starting 5K).  Adults born after 1957 who have not been vaccinated are also recommended to be vaccinated with one dose.  
Additionally, free MMR vaccines will be available by appointment until Nov. 7 at the Spartanburg County Health Department, located at 151 E. Wood St, Spartanburg, SC 29305.  Call 1-855-472-3432 to make an appointment.

To improve coverage for all vaccine preventable diseases, DHEC strongly encourages individuals to contact a healthcare provider to make sure that they are up-to-date with all recommended vaccines.     

For more information about measles visit the DHEC or CDC website.

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