Under emergency order, Rite Aid pharmacists can administer MMR vaccines to adults in Ohio
CAMP HILL, Pa. — In response to the increasing number of measles and mumps cases, and under Ohio Governor John Kasich's emergency order, Rite Aid pharmacists across Ohio are now able to administer the MMR (measles, mumps and rubella) vaccine to adults ages 18 years and older. The Ohio Department of Public Health reported more than 300 cases of measles and more than 400 cases of mumps in the state representing significantly more cases than anywhere else in the country.
Under the emergency order, Rite Aid certified immunizing pharmacists in Ohio can vaccinate patients ages 18 years and older against measles, mumps and rubella, as well as nine other diseases based on vaccine guidelines from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. MMR vaccinations are available at select Rite Aid pharmacies during pharmacy hours, and no appointment is necessary. Cost varies based on the patient's insurance coverage, and the MMR vaccine is covered by many insurance plans.
Currently, more than 70 Rite Aid pharmacies in the following counties have the MMR vaccine available: Ashland, Ashtabula, Clark, Cuyahoga, Defiance, Erie, Geauga, Hardin, Huron, Knox, Lorain, Lucas, Medina, Montgomery, Ottowa, Portage, Richland, Sandusky, Seneca, Stark, Summit, Wayne and Wood. The MMR vaccine can be ordered at other Rite Aid pharmacies upon request.
Although young children typically receive the MMR vaccine from their primary healthcare providers as part of a regular vaccine schedule, the CDC recommends that adults ages 18 years or older born after 1956 should get at least one dose of MMR vaccine, unless they have either been vaccinated previously or have had all three diseases. Pregnant women should not receive an MMR vaccine.