The Guilford County Division of Public Health announced on March 9 that it will offer extended-hour community clinics for the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine at several locations throughout the county. The move comes as a response to the ongoing measles outbreak in South Carolina and aims to make vaccinations more accessible for residents.
The expanded clinic hours are intended to help protect vulnerable populations who cannot receive the vaccine, such as newborns, people undergoing cancer treatment, and those with weakened immune systems. Measles is a highly contagious disease that can spread through direct contact or through the air and may remain infectious in an area for up to two hours after an infected person leaves.
Courtney McFadden, Guilford County Public Health Director, said, “Vaccination is the most effective way to protect yourself, your family, and our community from measles. By extending clinic hours, we hope to make it more convenient for everyone, especially families and working residents, to get vaccinated.”
The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services continues to recommend that all unvaccinated individuals ages one year and older receive the MMR vaccine. Individuals are also advised to consult their healthcare provider about vaccination before traveling internationally or visiting areas experiencing outbreaks within the United States.
Extended-hour clinics will be held at various recreation centers and YMCAs across Greensboro, High Point, and Jamestown between March 10 and April 1. Walk-ins are welcome at these locations without an appointment. Regular immunization services continue Monday through Friday at public health offices in Greensboro and High Point.
In related educational data from Guilford County school districts during the 2022-23 school year: Of 4,759 senior students taking the science portion of the ACT exam, 1,061 (22.3%) were considered ready for college according to state education data. Among juniors taking science that year, 1,030 out of 4,811 (21.4%) met college readiness benchmarks according to state education data. For reading proficiency on the ACT among seniors, 1,466 out of 4,759 (30.8%) were deemed college-ready according to state education data, while among juniors it was 1,357 out of 4,811 (28.2%) according to state education data. In math proficiency on the ACT among seniors in Guilford County schools during this period: 1,128 out of 4,759 (23.7%) achieved college readiness according to state education data, compared with juniors where it was 1,015 out of 4,811 (21.1%) according to state education data.
MMR vaccinations are also available from local healthcare providers and select pharmacies throughout Guilford County.
