APOPKA, Fla. – With concerns about the spread of measles in Florida, Apopka is announcing a vaccination initiative with several events happening around the city.
Apopka is partnering with the Florida Department of Health Orange County, Orange County Public Schools, Farmworker Association of Florida, Hope CommUnity Center, and the Apopka Fire Department to provide MMR vaccinations.
At a news conference Monday, Mayor Bryan Nelson said the focus is making the community aware of the issue and assisting in the prevention of the spread of measles.
“The way that this spreads so rapidly, it’s one of the most highly contagious of all diseases,” 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.”
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The measles vaccination events will be happening from 2 p.m. until 7 p.m. on certain dates at the following locations:
- March 5 & March 8 at the Farmworker Association of Florida (1264 Apopka Blvd., Apopka, FL 32703)
- March 11 & March 12 at Hope CommUnity Center South (800 S. Hawthorne Ave., Apopka, FL 32703)
- March 14 & March 15 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 to have seen four cases. At least one of those cases wasn’t recorded in the state’s public tally.
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