Health Division Recommends a Measles Vaccination Before Spring Travel
Pontiac, Mich. – Oakland County Health Division advises residents to get vaccinated against measles before traveling. In late February, Oakland County had its first confirmed measles case since 2019. This case was travel-related. As of March 7, a total of 45 measles cases have been confirmed in 16 states across the United States, including cases in Washtenaw and Wayne counties.
“Get vaccinated for measles if you are not. Vaccination is particularly important before traveling as there are outbreaks happening right now internationally and within the United States,” said Dr. Russell Faust, Medical Director for Oakland County Health Division. “Receiving both doses of the vaccine is most effective, but if you only have time to get one dose before your trip, that still provides helpful protection.”
Measles cases are usually linked to international travel and then spread to people in the United States. Anyone who is unvaccinated against measles is at risk of getting infected and spreading it to others. One dose of the vaccine provides 93% protection, while two doses provide 97% protection against measles. It’s best to have the vaccine series completed two weeks before travel. The vaccine is also effective if used within 72 hours of measles exposure to prevent illness.
Measles is a highly contagious, vaccine-preventable disease that is spread by direct person-to-person contact, and through the air. The virus can live for up to two hours in the air where the infected person was present. Symptoms of measles usually begin 7-14 days after exposure, but can appear up to 21 days after exposure and may include:
- High fever (may spike to over 104˚F)
- Cough
- Runny nose
- Red, watery eyes (conjunctivitis)
- Tiny white spots on the inner cheeks, gums, and roof of the mouth (Koplik Spots) 2-3 days after symptoms begin
- A rash that is red, raised, blotchy; usually starts on face, spreads to trunk, arms, and legs 3-5 days after symptoms begin
Individuals who may have been exposed to measles are advised to watch for symptoms for 21 days after exposure. If symptoms develop, call your health care provider for guidance, and always call ahead before arriving at a provider’s office, urgent care, or hospital. Stay home as much as possible and away from others. If you leave the house, wear an N-95 mask.
The MMR vaccine is available through some health care providers, Oakland County Health Division clinics in Southfield, 27725 Greenfield Road and Pontiac, 1200 North Telegraph Road, Building 34 East, and many pharmacies. Pregnant people should not get the vaccine.
Health Division clinics hours are:
- Monday, Wednesday and Friday 8:30 a.m. – 5 p.m.
- Tuesday 9:30 a.m. – 6 p.m.
- Thursday 7:30 a.m. – 5 p.m.
No one will be denied access due to inability to pay. There is a discounted/sliding fee schedule available for those who are under or uninsured. The Health Division accepts health insurance, as well as Medicaid, Medicare, Vaccines for Children (VFC) program, cash, and credit. VFC offers vaccines at no cost for eligible children. The MMR vaccine is a two-dose series and costs $76 per dose. There is a $7 fee per vaccination, per client. There are additional fees for credit card payments.
More information about measles can be found on the Health Division’s website at oakgov.com/health or by contacting Nurse on Call at 800-848-5533 or [email protected]. Nurse on Call is available 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday. For up-to-date public health information, follow @publichealthOC on Facebook and X (formally known as Twitter).
For media inquiries only please contact Bill Mullan, Oakland County media and communications officer, at 248-858-1048.