Oklahoma City-County Health Department encourages vaccinations

Oklahoma City, Okla — So far, this year there's been 387 confirmed cases of measles in the United States, according to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention. Most of those cases are said to be unvaccinated children.

The C.D.C. has guidelines for parents to follow when it comes to vaccinations. From yearly flu shots to rabies or even sexually transmitted diseases.

Nineteen years after measles was eliminated, it's back. 2019 already has the second most confirmed cases behind 2014.

outbreaks happening around the united states... as parents chose not to vaccinate their children.

The Oklahoma City County Health Department (OCCHD) is encouraging parents to vaccinate their children.

According to Megan Holderness, an Epidemiologist at the OOCHD said, "Regardless of the legislation at this point or in the future, we are going to focus on the education and bringing our services to the community. Making sure that those that can receive the vaccines, that they have the education and the information that they need to make that decision."

In oklahoma the immunization act says kids can't go to school unless they have all required shots.

That list includes the M.M.R. vaccine to prevent measles, mumps and rubella.

There have been no confirmed cases in Oklahoma and health officials hope to keep it that way.

While there are some medical reasons to opt out of vaccinations, the OOCHD said they're doing their best to make sure immunizations are available to everyone by making them affordable and sometimes free.

If your children have not been vaccinated in the past but you would like them to be, you can talk to your physician about a catchup schedule.

Find out more about the availability of vaccines on the Oklahoma City County Health Department website.