Recent Hudson Valley Measles Outbreak is Worsened by Restrictive Vaccination Laws
HUDSON VALLEY, NY — Since the Hudson Valley’s first case of measles in Rockland County back in September of 2018, outbreaks have continued to multiply at unsettling rates. Pharmacists can easily access the measles’ current vaccines, acellular pertussis (DTaP) and mumps-measles-rubella (MMR), but are legally unable to administer it without the authority of local doctors, in accordance with NYS laws. Since local pharmacies are still waiting for direction, many patients are not receiving proper vaccinations.
“We can treat the flu, pneumonia, and shingles without question,” says Poughkeepsie Rite Aid Pharmacist Demetrios Sassos. “But this one, we’re still waiting to see if there will be government push on that.” Sassos’ pharmacy takes direct orders from a local doctor in Kingston, who is who Sassos says there’s nothing he can do to push distribution. Pharmacist Tim Leong in Arlington also feels the public would benefit from pharmacies obtaining authority to administer the measles vaccination. “Finding time off work for a doctor’s appointment can be challenging for the public, especially with the recent increase in virus counts. It would definitely make things easier for them.”
Christina, an American citizen who once lived in the Philippines, remembers how important her measles vaccination was to her. “It’s a painful shot, but it’s worth not getting the measles again. When I was younger I had it all around my neck and face. Very painful.”
According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention’s website, “Measles is so contagious that if one person has it, 90 percent of the people closest to that person who are not immune will also become infected.” The virus can also remain airborne for up to two hours after an infected individual sneezes or coughs. About 1 of 4 people who catch the measles will be hospitalized.
While pharmacies may not offer the vaccine, your healthcare provider might. Contact your doctor today for more information about how to receive a vaccination against this harmful virus.
