Orland Township Offers Low-Cost Measles Vaccines To The Public

ORLAND TOWNSHIP, IL — Orland officials are reminding the public that the township offers low-cost measles vaccines for children and adults throughout the year. The announcement comes just days after Cook County was declared to be at the highest risk in the nation for a measles outbreak.

Orland Township offer several ways for people to get MMR (measles, mumps, rubella) and other vaccines, supervisor Paul O'Grady said.

For children, the township holds a Vaccinations For Children (VFC) clinic every month at the township's main building. The next clinic is scheduled from 5:30 to 8 p.m., Tue., June 11. No appointment is necessary and patients are seen on a first-come, first-served basis. Children must be under the age of 18, uninsured, underinsured (plan does not cover vaccines) or Native American (American Indian / Alaskan Native). All vaccines are subject to a $10 administrative fee ($20 for non-Township residents).

The township also offers parents a way to get school-aged children their MMR vaccine and other required school vaccines at the Township’s Back to School Health Fair, which is scheduled for Sat., July 13, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Township office. The fair is free and no appointment is necessary. In addition to vaccines, sports and health physicals will be available, along with dental and eye screenings, haircuts, school supplies and giveaways from local vendors.

Adults who need the MMR vaccine can make an appointment to see the Township’s nurse on Wellness Wednesdays, which are the second and fourth Wednesday of each month. Appointments are scheduled between 8:30 and 11 a.m. Special considerations can be made for those adults unable to make a Wellness Wednesday appointment.

All adult vaccines are subject to minimal charges. Call the township offices for fee information.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, measles is a highly contagious virus that lives in the nose and throat mucus of an infected person. It can spread to others through coughing and sneezing. The CDC also advises that the measles virus can live for up to two hours in an airspace where the infected person coughed or sneezed. If other people breathe the contaminated air or touch the infected surface, then touch their eyes, noses, or mouths, they can become infected.

The CDC guidelines on individuals who should receive an MMR vaccine include those planning international travel, infants, children, and any adults not up-to-date on their vaccines. Visit the CDC’s website, cdc.gov, for more information and recommendations. Check with your healthcare provider about whether you are in need of the measles and other vaccines.

For more information on Orland Township’s vaccination clinics, the Back to School Health Fair and scheduling a Wellness Wednesday appointment, call the Township at 708-403-4222. Orland Township is located at 14807 S. Ravinia Ave., in Orland Park.