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CAMP HILL, Pa. – With the highest rate of measles cases being reported in the United States since the disease was declared eliminated in 2000, Rite Aid announced Monday that Measles-Mumps-Rubella (MMR) vaccinations are available upon request at Rite Aid pharmacies across California including Los Angeles County. No appointment is necessary and vaccinations from a Rite Aid certified immunizing pharmacist are available during normal pharmacy business hours.
There are currently five confirmed cases of measles, in Los Angeles County, California, as well numerous sites that have been identified for potential exposure according to the Los Angeles County Department of Health. In California, Rite Aid pharmacists can protect patients 3 years of age and older with an MMR vaccination without a prescription.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), measles is a highly contagious disease caused by a virus that spreads through the air when an infected person coughs or sneezes. Measles starts with fever and soon causes a cough, runny nose and red eyes before a rash of tiny, red spots occurs.
The CDC recommends children get two doses of MMR vaccine, starting with the first dose at 12 through 15 months of age, and the second dose at 4 through 6 years of age. Children can receive the second dose earlier as long as it is at least 28 days after the first dose. Adults who do not have evidence of immunity should get at least one dose of MMR vaccine. Pregnant women should not get MMR vaccine. Patients should consult their local Rite Aid pharmacist with any questions they may have.
In addition to the MMR vaccine, Rite Aid certified immunizing pharmacists can vaccinate patients against a number of diseases based on CDC’s vaccine guidelines and state regulations. Patients can also visit Rite Aid’s Vaccine Central at www.RiteAid.com/vaccinecentral, where they can learn more about the immunizations available in their state, access educational resources on immunizations and complete a free immunization evaluation.
