1. Measles is a very contagious disease. One person with measles can easily pass it on to 9 out of 10 people around them who are unvaccinated or do not have natural immunity. 

2. Measles can be very dangerous, especially for babies and immunocompromised adults, and a significant proportion of measles cases will need hospitalization. One in 5 infected persons develops pneumonia, which could be fatal. In some cases, a brain infection may occur and result in swelling, brain damage or death. 

3. Herd immunity is crucial for preventing disease outbreaks in the community and protecting vulnerable populations who cannot receive vaccines. It can be achieved by 95% of a community being fully vaccinated by two doses of the MMR vaccine. 

4. Jefferson County’s measles vaccination rate of 92.67% is too low to protect our kids from outbreaks based on preliminary school-reported data. 

5. Two doses of the MMR vaccine provides 97% lifetime protection against measles.

Prevention Steps

• Stay up to date with COVID vaccinations

• Improve ventilation

• Get tested for COVID if needed

• Follow recommendations if you have been exposed

• Stay home if you have suspected or confirmed COVID

• Seek treatment if you have COVID and are at high risk

• Avoid contact with people who have suspected or confirmed COVID

COVID Vaccination

• Vaccine recommendations are based on age, time since last dose, and in some cases, the first vaccine received.

• People who are moderately or severely immunocompromised have specific recommendations for COVID-19 vaccines.

• Side effects after a COVID-19 vaccine are common, however severe allergic reactions after getting a COVID-19 vaccine are rare.

COVID vaccination is available at JCHD by appointment. You can also find a list of vaccination locations on Vaccines.gov.

COVID Testing

• JCHD: Use form below

• Total Access Urgent Care: 636-429-0999

• COMTREA: 636-481-6040

• Great Mines: 573-438-9335

• ENT Now: 314-729-0077

• ARCpoint Labs: 314-597-6767

• CVS Pharmacy

• Walgreens

• Pharmax Pharmacy

• Mercy GoHealth Urgent Care

What is the flu?

Influenza (flu) is a contagious respiratory illness caused by the flu virus. There are two types of flu: type A and type B.

Flu can be a mild to severe illness, which can cause hospitalization or death. Vulnerable populations are more at risk; these include young children, older adults, and those with certain health conditions.

Symptoms

Symptoms typically come on suddenly, and most people experience the following:

• Fever or feeling feverish/chills

• Cough or sore throat

• Stuffy or runny nose

• Muscle or body aches

• Headaches

• Fatigue

• Vomiting or diarrhea (more common in children)

How do I protect myself against the flu?

• Get the flu vaccine

• Limit close contact with those who are sick

• Wash your hands and disinfect surfaces

• Stay home if you are experiencing symptoms

• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth

Who should get the vaccine?

Everyone 6 months and older should get the flu vaccine each year, especially people who are considered high risk.

Getting vaccinated in the early fall is best because it takes about 2 weeks for antibodies to develop and offer protection against the flu virus.

Flu Vaccine Finder