Central Ohio Measles Outbreak Continues to Grow:
As of Dec. 16, Columbus Public Health is reporting the current measles outbreak centered in Columbus now includes 77 cases. Most of the reported cases, 94%, have occurred in children who have not yet received vaccination against measles. Children can receive their first measles vaccination between ages 12-15 months. A second dose is given between ages 4-6 years. The Union County Health Department encourages parents to make sure their children are up-to-date on their MMR vaccines. The Union County Health Department provides all recommended childhood immunizations by appointment. Please call (937) 645-2058 to make a vaccination appointment.
Of the 77 cases reported in the Central Ohio outbreak, 29 have required hospitalization (38%). Most of the cases are in children under age 5 (44% of cases age 1-2, 26% of cases less than 1 year of age, 23% of cases age 3-5, and 6% of cases age 6-17). No cases have been reported in people age 18+. The Union County Health Department is monitoring the situation closely and working with our local and state public health partners to respond to the current measles outbreak.
COVID Bi-Valent Vaccine Now Available for Ages 6 months to 5 years:
- Children ages 6 months through 4 years who are currently completing a Pfizer primary series will receive a Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 bivalent vaccine for their third dose of the primary series. Children in this age group who already completed their 3-dose monovalent Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 primary series are not eligible for the bivalent product at this time.
- Children ages 6 months through 5 years who previously completed a Moderna primary series are eligible to receive a Moderna bivalent booster 2 months after their final primary series dose.
PLEASE NOTE: The Union County Health Department is only administering the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine products. Please reach out to one of the retail pharmacy chains in our community or the Delaware Public Health Department for Moderna COVID-19 vaccine products.
It’s Not Too Late for COVID Boosters & Flu Shots:We are receiving sustained reports of very high levels of flu activity and other respiratory illnesses within our community. Ohio is currently reporting flu hospitalizations at a rate far greater than the 5 year average for Ohio. Additionally, the Ohio Hospital Association COVID-19 dashboard reports a daily COVID-19 patient count of about 194 people per day (average daily patient count from Dec. 5 to Dec. 15) within our central region hospitals. The Union County Health Department reminds residents it’s not too late to get a flu shot, a COVID booster, or start a COVID primary series. UCHD can administer both flu and COVID vaccinations. To make an appointment, call (937) 645-2058.
COVID Holiday Test Kit Distribution, Thank You:
Over the Dec. 15 & 16 Holiday test kit distribution, our staff provided more than 2,400 test kits to families. From our families to yours, Happy Holidays!
