In response to the recent outbreak of measles in Texas and eastern New Mexico, Las Cruces Public Schools is partnering with Mesilla Valley Pharmacy to offer measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccines to all LCPS students, staff and their families. A vaccine clinic will be held from 8 a.m.-7 p.m., on Wednesday, March 5, at Mesilla Valley Pharmacy, 4119 White Sage Arc, Suite E, Las Cruces.
Individuals receiving the vaccine will need to provide insurance information. Those without insurance can schedule an appointment for an MMR vaccine at the New Mexico Department of Health, Ben Archer Clinics, or La Clinica de Familia clinics for alternative options.
According to the New Mexico Department of Health (NMDOH), measles is a highly contagious virus that spreads through the air when an infected person coughs or sneezes. It can cause fever, cough, runny nose, red eyes and a rash that spreads over the body. Serious complications can occur, including pneumonia, brain swelling and even death.
In response to the rising measles cases, the NMDOH has also launched a dedicated web resource to address the situation. The comprehensive web resource hub at measles.doh.nm.gov features:
“While measles outbreaks don't respect state lines, our response is uniquely New Mexican—comprehensive, bilingual, and accessible to all communities,” said Miranda Durham, NMDOH Chief Medical Officer. “We created this resource to empower New Mexicans with clear information about vaccinations effectively protecting families from measles and preventing further spread within our communities.”
The measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine makes it far less likely for you to get measles than someone unvaccinated with no immunity. Those born before 1957 are already immune. The NMDOH Helpline at 1-833-796-8773 is staffed by nurses for help in English and Spanish for questions about where to go for and what to know about vaccinations.
For more information on the vaccination clinic, please contact Mesilla Valley Pharmacy at 575-323-2093. Additional guidance on measles from the NMDOH can be found here.
