Union County Offers Free Measles Vaccinations After NJ Outbreak

UNION COUNTY, NJ — Union County is offering free vaccines to prevent measles for children following recent reports of measles exposures in New Jersey.

Union County children who are at least 12 months old and younger than 19 and who are Medicaid eligible, uninsured or underinsured are eligible to receive free vaccines to prevent measles through the County’s Immunization Clinic operated by the Union County Department of Human Services, Division of Social Services.

"Recently, over a dozen new cases of measles have been reported in our area," stated Union County Freeholder Chair Bette Jane Kowalski. "The Freeholder Board takes this outbreak very seriously, and we want to make residents aware that there are resources available to prevent the spread of measles. Vaccination measures in turn, help to protect all our children and residents."

The New Jersey Department of Health warned residents recently of possible measles exposure at two Monmouth County locations this past week including at a Monmouth County Restaurant and additionally at second location in the county. (See Related: Possible Measles Exposure In 2nd Monmouth County Location)

The department and local health officials are investigating any connection to the current Ocean County measles outbreak or outbreaks in other states. (Read more: More Measles Cases Reported In NJ As Numbers Jump Nationwide)

Union County’s Immunization Clinic is part of the federal Center for Disease Control’s VFC (Vaccines For Children) program and is part of each state’s Medicaid plan.

The clinic offers a series of vaccines suggested by the CDC as well as required vaccines for public school admission. Appointments are required and residents may call 908-965-3627 or 908-965-3868 to schedule. The county’s clinic is located at 40 Parker Road, Elizabeth, and is open Monday to Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

For additional information and resources on measles visit the New Jersey Department of Health's measles website), the NPHIC or CDC's measles website.

For personal assistance with any service provided by the Union County Department of Human Services, call the UCDHS Action Line at 888-845-3434 or 908-558-2288.

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