PHILADELPHIA.—The City continues to respond to the ongoing measles outbreak in Philadelphia.
Current situation
Today, the Health Department reports NO new confirmed cases of measles, for a total of 8 confirmed cases of measles (seven Philadelphia cases, one non-Philadelphia case).
While 93 percent of Philadelphia children are vaccinated against measles, it remains a dangerous virus. The Health Department strongly encourages everyone who is unvaccinated to seek out a vaccine.
The Health Department is posting regular updates on the City’s website. Check for the latest.
Today’s updates
The Health Department has updated their blog post on measles to include information about how measles rash can present differently on different skin tones and colors. The updated blog post includes a link to images demonstrating the different presentations. A link to a press-specific online folder with the same images can be found in the Press Notes section of this press release.
The Health Department continues to offer the measles, mumps, and rubella vaccine for free at City Health Centers.
For children
Any child in Philadelphia can get vaccinated at any City health center. Contact our call center at (215) 685-2933 to make an appointment.
For anyone
We’re also offering walk-in MMR vaccines at three City health centers for a limited time. Any Philadelphia resident is eligible. Visit these three locations Monday through Thursday, from 10 a.m. – noon and 1 – 3 p.m.:
Health Center 3, 555 S. 43rd St.
Health Center 4, 4400 Haverford Ave.
Health Center 5, 1900 N. 20th. St.
During these walk-in hours, you don’t need an appointment. There’s no copay or fee for the vaccine, and you don’t even need an ID — just a piece of mail with your address on it.
Press notes
In order to facilitate inclusive coverage of this outbreak, the Health Department is making images of how measles presents on different color skin available for download and use. Please use a variety of presentations to ensure that all Philadelphians can understand what measles could look like.
The Health Department is currently coordinating news media interviews with Health Commissioner Dr. Cheryl Bettigole. Press are instructed to submit all interview and information requests on the measles outbreak to phlpublichealth@phila.gov.
Press is not being offered access to any of the Health Centers vaccinating clinics at this time in order to preserve anonymity of patients. This may change as the response continues.
