Kirk Preston Watson - Mayor of Austin, Texas | Twitter
Kirk Preston Watson - Mayor of Austin, Texas | Twitter
City leaders in Austin celebrated the 30th anniversary of the Vaccines for Children (VFC) program on Thursday, amid a measles outbreak affecting Texas. This program, created to provide necessary vaccines to children, marks a significant milestone as measles cases rise in the state.
Dr. Desmar Walkes, Austin-Travis County Health Authority, reflected on the origins of the program: “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. 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.”
Since 1994, the VFC has collaborated with local partners nationwide to vaccinate children lacking adequate health insurance. In Austin-Travis County, healthcare providers have distributed over three million doses, valued at more than $215 million, to children at no cost.
Chris Crookham, Austin Public Health Immunizations Unit Manager, highlighted the significance of this partnership: "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. For three decades they have been instrumental in safeguarding our neighbors and loved ones."
One of the vaccines provided through VFC is for measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR). Two doses are necessary for full protection. Children under 14 need a prescription to receive the vaccine at a pharmacy, although it is also available at doctors' offices and the Shots for Tots and Big Shots clinics offered by Austin Public Health.
Measles is described as highly contagious, spreading through the air when an infected individual coughs or sneezes. The virus can linger in the air and on surfaces for up to two hours, easily infecting those unvaccinated who come into contact. Unvaccinated individuals exposed to measles must isolate for a significant period.
For further information, the public is directed to visit austintexas.gov/measles.
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