Vaccinations

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Vaccinations


COVID-19 Vaccination Information: For the latest updates about COVID-19 vaccinations in Harris County, please visit hcphtx.org/covidvaccine. 


Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19)

As of early December 2020, the availability of COVID-19 vaccines in the United States is still developing. For information about this vaccine and updates on its availability, please visit our COVID-19 resources here.



Influenza (Flu)

Influenza (Flu) is a contagious respiratory illness. Although it is present all year-round, the majority of cases in the United States spike in the Fall and Winter months. Throughout these months, the flu vaccine is available to help decrease the likelihood of becoming infected and decrease the severity of symptoms should you become infected.

Find information about the symptoms of the flu here as well as available flu vaccine clinics here.



Measles (Rubeola)

Measles (Rubeola) is a highly contagious virus that can lead to complications. The United States has maintained measles elimination status for almost 20 years largely due to the high number of people who are vaccinated against the virus. 

About Measles

Measles is a highly contagious, airborne virus that lives in the nose and throat mucus of an infected person. Measles can spread to others through coughing and sneezing. 

Measles can be serious:

  • 1 out of 4 people who get measles will be hospitalized
  • 1 out of every 1,000 people with measles will develop brain swelling due to infection (encephalitis), which may lead to brain damage.
Symptoms of Measles

Measles symptoms typically appear 7 to 14 days after contact. Beginning symptoms may include:

  • High fever (may spike to more than 104°F)
  • Cough
  • Running nose
  • Red, water eyes (conjunctivitis)

Between 2 to 3 days after the first symptoms begin, tiny white spots (Koplik spots) may appear inside of the mouth. This is an early sign of measles infection.

Between 3 to 5 days after the first symptoms, the characteristic measles rash breaks out:

  • Flat red spots may appear on the face at the hairline and spread downward on the body.
  • Small raised bumps may appear on top of the flat red spots.
  • When the rash appears, fever may spoke to more than 104° Fahrenheit.

For a full description of the symptoms and stages of measles, visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's website. 


Protecting Your Child and Yourself

You have the power to protect your child against measles by making sure they are vaccinated. For measles, The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that children get two doses of the measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine for full protection.

  • The first dose at 12 through 15 months
  • The second dose at 4 through 6 years

Adults may need a measles booster and should speak to their healthcare provider if they have any questions or concerns.

If anyone shows signs and symptoms of measles, we encourage you to contact your health care provider immediately. 

Full details about this vaccine can be found on the CDC's website.

When Should I Get A Vaccine?

Protect yourself and family from preventable diseases with a vaccine. Vaccines are a safe and effective way to stay healthy.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) provides a recommended vaccination schedule for preventable diseases, such as:

Full details about this vaccine can be found on the CDC's website.

Cases and Outbreaks

Periodically, travelers may become infected with measles in another country and bring the virus into the United States. When infections occur, they are reported to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Information about the status of cases and outbreaks can be found on the CDC's website.



Recommended Vaccination Schedule

For a full schedule of CDC recommended vaccines, please visit The Centers of Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

Visit the Vaccines and Immunizations page on CDC’s website to learn more about vaccines and vaccine safety.