Health Officials In Delaware Valley Highlight Importance Of Measles Vaccine
By Mike Dougherty
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) -- With one potential case of measles in Montgomery County, Pennsylvania and another confirmed in northern New Jersey, health officials are stressing the importance of vaccinations.
Measles is one of the most contagious viruses out there, according to the CDC. Once airborne, it can linger for hours and is almost certain to infect those who have not been vaccinated.
Carmen Rodriguez, liaison to the department of health in Camden County, says vaccinations are proven safe and critically important for public health.
"It's for the protection of the child who can get it," she says. "It's also for the protection of those others who are just too young or perhaps have some sensitivity that will not allow them to get vaccinated."
Rodriguez says most adults have had the shots and don't need to worry about it.
For children without health insurance, she says clinics in the county are offering the vaccine for free.