Dear Community Members:

We are grateful to all who have already participated in the community vaccination effort.  With Hashem’s help, we hope and pray for the continued containment of the spread of measles locally.  We must, however, avoid a false sense of security and continue to work to ensure the highest level of vaccination in the community, per the recommendations of the Health Department for a high-risk community.  Our community is still definitely high risk, due to the continued spread of measles in other Orthodox communities with which we interact regularly.  

It is especially important that children from the age of 6 month and up be vaccinated according to the accelerated schedule recommended by the Health Department (see specifics below).  Ideally and where possible, even under the accelerated schedule, these vaccinations should be administered in the pediatrician’s office as part of regular wellness care.  As this is not always possible, we are grateful that the Baltimore City Health Department will be holding a free MMR clinic today, Tuesday, May 7, for children age one year and up, and for adults who need their second MMR.  The clinic will be held at Congregation Shomrei Emunah, 6221 Greenspring Ave, between the hours of 10:30 am and 2:30 pm.

Please note the following specific recommendations, which have been modified to add additional protection from the spread of measles in this time of elevated disease risk.

Who should be vaccinated at this time:

• Infants between 6 months and 1 year of age (they would usually receive their first MMR at 12 months but due to the current outbreak should receive their first MMR now) - This should be done at their pediatric office and not at this clinic

• Children past their first birthday who have not yet received their first MMR - Preferably this should be done at or in coordination with their pediatric office

• Children who are between 12 months and 4 years of age (they would usually receive the second MMR after their 4^th birthday but due to the current outbreak should receive their second MMR now) -Note: there must be 28 days between MMR shots; children who have recently received their first dose should not be vaccinated until 28 days pass- Preferably this should be done at or in coordination with their pediatric office

• Adults born between 1957 and 1989 who have not or are uncertain if they have received their second MMR (note: this age group generally only received one MMR)

• Any children age 1 and up as well as any adult who is not up to date with their MMR immunizations- Preferably this should be done at or in coordination with their pediatric/physician’s office

• There is no recommendation for additional MMR doses for children or adults who have received 2 MMR vaccines after their first birthday

• It is not recommended for pregnant women or women who expect to become pregnant, people with certain medical conditions and those taking certain medications to receive the MMR vaccine.  Please discuss any of these factors or any questions with the on-site medical staff will be on sight at the clinic prior to receiving the vaccination.

We pray that HKB”H continue to watch over all of us.

Vaad HaRabbonim of Baltimore

Hatzalah of Baltimore

Bais Yaakov of Baltimore

Bnos Yisroel of Baltimore

Cheder Chabad of Baltimore

Cheder D’Kahal Chassidim

JEWELS School

Ner Israel Rabbinical College

Ohr Chadash Academy of Baltimore (OCA)

Yeshivas Chofetz Chaim/Talmudical Academy of Baltimore

Yeshivas Kochav Yitzchok/Torah Institute of Baltimore

Yeshivas Toras Simcha of Baltimore