CHICAGO –The Chicago Department of Public Health today announced the launch of a new web-based application that helps Chicago residents locate where they can receive the Measles, Mumps and Rubella (MMR) vaccine. Amid measles outbreaks in the U.S. and internationally, Chicago residents are encouraged to review their immunization records, and use the new tool to find locations and receive the MMR vaccine if they are not up to date.

“The best protection against measles is through immunization,” said CDPH Commissioner Julie Morita, M.D. “Residents who are unsure of their vaccination status should contact their health care provider, use the finder and get vaccinated.”

The MMR vaccine finder is an interactive map of locations where residents can be vaccinated. The application provides directions to the closest location and additional information, including operating hours and phone numbers.

Chicago has one of the highest MMR vaccination rates in the nation, meaning that most children and adults are vaccinated and protected.  One measles case in Chicago was confirmed by CDPH this year, which was linked to international travel. Ahead of the summer travel season, residents are encouraged to review their immunization records or contact their health care providers to see if they need to be vaccinated.

If traveling to areas in the U.S. or other countries experiencing outbreaks, individuals should be aware of the following vaccination recommendations:

• Infants six months through 11 months of age should receive one dose of MMR vaccine.
• Children 12 months of age and older should receive two doses of MMR vaccine separated by at least 28 days.
• Adults who do not have evidence of immunity against measles should get two doses of MMR vaccine separated by at least 28 days.
• Adults with documentation of one dose of MMR vaccine should get a second dose.

Measles is highly contagious and any unvaccinated or non-immune person can become infected. Unvaccinated children, especially infants, pregnant women without evidence of measles immunity and individuals with a weakened immune system are at the greatest risk.

The measles vaccine is safe and effective. It is also readily available in healthcare facilities, pharmacies and CDPH walk-in immunization clinics, which provide measles vaccines to uninsured children and adults at no cost.

The application was created with the help of developer Tom Kompare, who volunteered his time, and in collaboration between CDPH, Department of Innovation and Technology (DoIT), CVS, Jewel-Osco and Walgreens pharmacies as well as Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Illinois (BCBSIL). To view the web-based application, please visit https://measlesvax.chicago.gov/.

For more information about measles, contact your health care provider or visit www.chicago.gov/measles.