JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – The Florida Department of Health and Duval County Department of Health launched a pop-up vaccination clinic Sunday morning in response to recent measles cases in Northeast Florida.
The three-hour clinic at the Regency Square library offered several immunizations, including the MMR vaccine, which protects against measles, mumps, and rubella, as well as influenza and Hepatitis A vaccines.
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“There were actually people waiting in the cold to get in to get some of their immunizations here today,” said Dr. Sunil Joshi, Jacksonville’s Chief Health Officer.
The clinic comes amid growing concern over measles cases in the region. Health officials have reported two cases in children in Duval County and one case in an adult in St. Johns County, contributing to nine total cases reported across Florida.
Despite these cases, Joshi expressed confidence in containment efforts while emphasizing the importance of vaccination. “This could happen if people are not as vaccinated as they have been in the past. We are going to start seeing numbers for measles go up, not just here but other parts of the country as well,” he said. “Prevention becomes the key thing.”
According to health officials, one dose of the MMR vaccine is 93% effective at preventing measles, with effectiveness increasing to 97% after a second dose.
The rise in measles cases coincides with proposed legislation that could expand vaccine exemptions in Florida. State Sen. Clay Yarborough has introduced what he calls a “Medical Freedom Bill” that would allow parents to claim conscience-based exemptions to school vaccine mandates.
“We are not removing any vaccines, we are not banning any vaccines. We are just giving parents the option,” Yarborough said. “Maybe they’re compelled by something other than a religious belief, but they do not have any other avenue where they can truthfully file an objection.”
Yarborough defended the legislation, arguing that while vaccines might slow disease transmission, they don’t guarantee complete prevention. “Parents need to be the ones who make that decision for their children,” he said. “I don’t think it is fair to point at any individual and say, well, because you did not do this, that is why my child got sick.”
In response to the ongoing debate, Joshi emphasized the importance of community-wide health decisions. “I don’t think blaming parents and blaming each other is the way to go at any of these situations,” he said. “If we are all looking to do what is in the best interest of our children, we would look at doing what is in the best interest of the community at large. Taking advice from your trusted health care provider will be the best way to prevent community spread from all these communicable diseases.”
Health officials continue to monitor the situation and encourage residents to stay up-to-date with recommended vaccinations.