"I'd rather be safe than sorry:" Health department holds 2nd free vaccine clinic
MILWAUKEE (WITI) -- Round two of free measles vaccinations was held Saturday morning in the health department's attempt to knock the virus out and stop it from possibly spreading to Wisconsin.
Community members are taking the disease seriously, especially after two suspected cases were reported in Portage County.
The doors had just opened at Keenan Health Center Saturday morning and already dozens of folks have arrived.
"I'm here to get my boys the measles shot. The reason I'm here today is because I can't get them into the doctor until March so they need it," said Chimere Whaley.
For Whaley, getting her 3 sons vaccinated was a priority considering the measles outbreak across the country and recent suspected cases popping up in Wisconsin.
Paul Biedrzycki with the City of Milwaukee Health Department says this is the second of two clinics sponsored by the health department to promote the measles vaccine to the community.
"Last week's clinic we immunized close to 100 people so we are very encouraged that people are taking this seriously," said Biedrzycki.
Young children and even some teens were there to get up-to-date.
"We are here from Jackson, Florida -- we have been here for about a year and half so I thought we were current on our shots but they are short one," said
Biedrzycki encourages everyone to get immunized so they can protect themselves and the community.
"Measles is a highly contagious viral disease that spreads readily in the community and there are certain segments of the community that are most vulnerable that are children pregnant women and immune suppressed," said Biedrzycki.
Those most susceptible are people who are unvaccinated or under-vaccinated. It requires 2 doses of measles vaccine to be fully immune.
While it's uncertain if the virus is present in our area, one this is for sure, these proactive folks will remain healthy.
"I'd rather be safe than sorry," said Whaley.
The Milwaukee Health Department also provided free flu shots during today's clinic since we are still in the midst of flu season.
If you missed the clinic you can still get vaccinated during the week during clinic hours.
Immunizations are free to those who are uninsured and children on public insurance such as BadgerCare.
For more information on the Milwaukee Health Department's immunization clinics, CLICK HERE.