EL PASO, Texas (KTSM) — CVS Pharmacy and MinuteClinic are offering measles immunizations at over 875 locations across Texas with nearly 60 cases confirmed in the state.
Vaccination is the most effective way to protect people from measles, CVS said.
Patients ages 14 and older can receive the MMR vaccine and children ages 4 to 6 can receive the second vaccination.
The first dose is given at the recommended age of 12 to 15 months old and cannot be administered at CVS Pharmacy or MinuteClinic.
The MMR vaccine is available at no cost with most insurances, according to CVS’ website.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, measles is a highly contagious disease that spreads through the air when an infected person coughs or sneezes.
Common symptoms of measles include fever (may spike over 104 degrees), cough, runny nose, red and watery eyes with a rash that is red and blotchy.
Symptoms can appear 7-14 days after exposure and can take up to 21 days, according to the CDC.
According to the CDC, if one person has it, up to 9 out of 10 people nearby will be infected if they are not protected.
Patients are encouraged to schedule a vaccination appointment at CVS.com or through the CVS Health app to ensure vaccine availability. Walk-ins are also accepted.
Vaccination appointments at MinuteClini can be scheduled by visiting MinuteClinic.com.
