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 (7 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 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
For planning purposes, press should be aware that after seven consecutive days of no new cases, the Health Department will move these press releases to weekly. After two weeks of no new cases, press releases on measles will only be distributed should a new case associated with this outbreak be identified. Measles outbreaks are considered over after two incubation periods with no new cases. The incubation period for measles is 21 days. After 42 days with no new associated cases, the Health Department will declare the outbreak to be ended.
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.
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.
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.