Drive-Thru Measles Shots at El Paso, TX Zoo

Texas is continuing to see an increase in the number of measles cases, and El Paso, unfortunately, is part of that rising trend with over 50 reported cases so far.

Well, The City’s Department of Public Health is hoping to keep that number from rising and they are teaming up with the El Paso Fire Department to host a free drive-thru measles vaccine event on Monday, May 19, from 2 to 7 p.m. at the El Paso Zoo (4001 E. Paisano Dr.).

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Here’s What You Need To Know Before You Go

No appointment or insurance is needed—locals can just roll through and bring your shot record if you have it!

The event is part of a larger push to prevent the spread of measles, a highly contagious virus that spreads through coughing, sneezing, and even hanging in the air for up to two hours.

Dr. Hector Ocaranza, the City-County Health Authority, says staying up to date on the MMR (measles, mumps, rubella) vaccine is crucial.

“Vaccinating ourselves and our children not only protects our families but also helps prevent the spread of the disease within our community.”

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The MMR vaccine is about 97% effective after two doses. Even though breakthrough cases are rare, vaccinated individuals are much less likely to get seriously sick or pass it on.

Important notes: Pregnant women and people with weakened immune systems should not get the vaccine. If you’re unsure about your vaccine status and were born after 1957, it’s worth checking your records.

Need more info? Call the Measles Hotline at (915) 212-HELP, dial 2-1-1, or visit EPHealth.com.

The City of El Paso is tracking the outbreak with a daily-updated Measles Information Dashboard at EPHealth.com, including case counts, vax info, and demographic data refreshed every morning at 9 a.m.