AUSTIN, Texas - City leadership came together Thursday to celebrate the 30th year of the Vaccines for Children program providing much-needed vaccines in Austin. This celebration comes as the state of Texas faces an outbreak of measles, a vaccine-preventable disease.

“The Vaccines for Children Program was started 30 years ago as the country was dealing with a measles outbreak, and only ten years later the virus was deemed eradicated in the U.S.,” said Austin-Travis County Health Authority Dr. Desmar Walkes. “Unfortunately, our vaccination rates have dropped, allowing measles to rear its head again. It’s time for everyone to use the resources available to get vaccinated and protect our community from this virus.”

Starting in 1994, VFC began working with local partners across the country to provide vaccinations for children who are uninsured, underinsured or who have Medicaid. In that time, Austin-Travis County healthcare providers have received over 3 million doses of no-cost vaccines worth over $215 million to administer to children.

"Preventing diseases and protecting our community is larger than APH and we are appreciative of our VFC partners and the value they bring to our community,” said Austin Public Health Immunizations Unit Manager Chris Crookham. “For three decades they have been instrumental in safeguarding our neighbors and loved ones."

Find local VFC providers here.

The measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccine is one of the many vaccines provided through VFC. Two doses of the MMR vaccine are required to receive full protection.

The MMR vaccine is also offered at doctor’s offices and pharmacies. Children under the age of 14 will require a prescription from a doctor to receive the vaccine at a pharmacy. APH offers the MMR vaccine at our Shots for Tots and Big Shots clinics.

Measles

Measles is highly contagious and is spread through the air when an infected person coughs or sneezes. The disease can actively linger in the air and on surfaces for up to two hours.  If someone breathes contaminated air or touches infected surfaces and then their eyes, nose, or mouth, they can become infected. Unvaccinated individuals who are exposed to measles must isolate for 21-28 days.

If one person has it, up to 9 out of 10 people nearby will become infected if they are not protected by vaccination.

Learn more at austintexas.gov/measles.