DELAWARE COUNTY, Pa. (KYW Newsradio) — As cases of measles continue to rise across Pennsylvania and nationwide, officials in Delaware County are working to keep from falling into that trend, through a new program that brings the vaccine right to the community.
The Delaware County Health Department brought its new “Wellness on Wheels” mobile unit to Upper Darby on Monday so area families could get their MMR shots.
Over the last five years nationwide, measles vaccination rates have dropped from more than 95% to around 92%. That’s according to a report from Johns Hopkins University, which said 95% is what’s needed for herd immunity.
“We know that measles is spreading through Pennsylvania. As of Friday, there were 139 cases statewide,” said Lora Werner, director of the Delaware County Health Department. While the county hasn’t had any cases this year, Werner said it’s likely just a matter of time.
“We just want to prevent the disease spread before it happens.”
Measles symptoms can include high fever, runny nose and cough. According to the DCHD, people who have it often pass it on before those symptoms ever show themselves.
Delaware County Councilmember Dr. Monica Taylor said that’s why the county is doing its part to keep residents safe from the public health risk.
“We’re providing access to families who maybe don’t have a primary care physician, or maybe can’t get to an appointment before they get back to school, to be able to have easy access to get those appointments in,” she said.
For residents who missed this one, the DCHD has immunization events at its Yeadon and Chester locations next month.
“We will be offering the MMR vaccine, and no, you don’t need to pay,” Werner said.
The DCHD has also encouraged community organizations to contact it if they would like the mobile unit to bring immunization shots to one of their events.
