Apopka launches vaccination initiative amid rising measles concerns

Measles is one of the most contagious diseases in the world.

It's a disease that can spread quickly through the air. With recent drops in vaccination rates in certain areas, the risk of a measles outbreak is on the rise. The disease can be deadly, especially for young children, and everyone must take steps to prevent its spread.

With growing concerns about the spread of measles in Florida, Apopka is taking a proactive approach to fighting its spread.

Partnering with the Florida Department of Health Orange County, Orange County Public Schools, the Farmworker Association of Florida, Hope CommUnity Center, and the Apopka Fire Department to provide MMR vaccinations.

“The way that this spreads so rapidly, it’s one of the most highly contagious of all diseases,” Apopka Mayor Bryan Nelson said. “We haven’t had any confirmed cases. I just know we’re right on the bubble. Right at 90% vaccinated and that’s where you start to run into where it can spread.”

The measles vaccination events are from 2 p.m. until 7 p.m. at the following locations:

• March 8th at the Farmworker Association of Florida (1264 Apopka Blvd., Apopka, FL 32703)
• March 11th and March 12th at Hope CommUnity Center South (800 S. Hawthorne Ave., Apopka, FL 32703)
• March 14th and March 15th at Hope CommUnity Center North (1016 N. Park Ave., Apopka, FL 32703)

According to the Florida Department of Health, there have been 10 reported measles cases in the state. Most were tied to an outbreak at a school in Broward County and there was one travel-related case involving an adult in Polk County.

They are the first cases of measles the state has reported since 2020.

Orlando Health also reported four cases. At least one of those cases wasn’t recorded by the FDOH.