“From Hogan to Hospital — Let’s Keep Measles Out. Stay up to date with your immunizations”

Dear Community Members,

Sage Memorial Hospital is committed to keeping our community safe and informed. We want to alert you about the recent rise in measles cases across the country and remind everyone about the importance of prevention.

What is Measles?

Measles is a highly contagious virus that spreads through coughing, sneezing, or being near someone who is infected. Symptoms include high fever, cough, runny nose, red eyes, and a rash that usually starts on the face and spreads to the rest of the body.

Why This Matters:

Measles can lead to serious health complications, especially in young children, pregnant individuals, and those with weakened immune systems.
It is preventable through vaccination.

What You Can Do:

Check your vaccination status. The MMR (Measles, Mumps, Rubella) vaccine is safe and effective.
Vaccinate your children. Children should receive two doses of the MMR vaccine—first at 12-15 months and again at 4-6 years.
Watch for symptoms. If you or a family member develop symptoms, stay home and call your healthcare provider before going to the clinic or hospital.
Help protect our elders and vulnerable populations. Stay home when sick and practice good hygiene.

Sage Memorial Hospital offers MMR vaccinations through our Outpatient Clinic and Public Health Nursing Program. Please contact (928) 755-4500 to schedule a visit or get more information.

Thank you for helping protect the health of our community.

Sincerely,

Sage Memorial Hospital – Community Health Division

“Strengthening Families, Empowering Communities”

Resources

Arizona Partnership for Immunization – https://whyimmunize.org/get-info/healthcare-professionals-2/outbreak-information/

New Mexico Health – https://www.nmhealth.org/about/erd/ideb/mog/

CDC has added new resources to the Be Ready for Measles Toolkit:

Adult MMR vaccination decision tree for healthcare providers summarizing ACIP and CDC MMR vaccine recommendations for non-pregnant adults aged 19 years and older. Providers can use this visual aid to make decisions about MMR vaccination for adults.
Summer camp tools: Camp administrators can use these tools to help prepare for and respond to measles cases.