Need A Measles Shot In The Lubbock Area? Here’s A Quick & Easy Solution

We all seen the headlines- there is a highly contagious measles outbreak in our area. People who tested positive for measles have created exposure sites in well attended Lubbock stores.

There have been 124 conformed cases of measles and 18 hospitalizations. There will likely be many more to come.

And now, sadly, one unvaccinated child has died from measles in our area- the first measles death in the U.S. in a decade.

This disease is serious and clearly can be deadly. Luckily, there is a vaccine for measles which has proven safe and effective since 1964.

Read More: Not Just Measles: Another Dangerous Illness On The Rise In Texas

Before the vaccine, nearly all children became infected with measles and about 500 people died each year- with many more experiencing serious symptoms like encephalitis, which is the swelling of the brain.

Read More: Lubbock Hospital Confirms First U.S. Measles Death in 10 Years

If you or your child is in need of a mealses vaccine, you might not have to make the time or set aside the money for a doctor's visit. You or your child can get a measles vaccine at United, Market Street or Amigos pharmacies.

Here are some of the details:

• No appointment is necessary. Guests can walk in to talk to a pharmacist and request an MMR vaccine.
• Pharmacists can vaccinate children age 13 and under with a prescription from their doctor. They can vaccinate children 14 and up without a prescription.
• Post-exposure prophylaxis* is available for adults within 3 days of exposure.

*Post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) is a medical treatment taken after a possible exposure to a disease or infection to prevent the disease from developing.