Guilford County Launches Evening MMR Clinics to Boost Vaccination Access

Guilford County's Division of Public Health announced it will hold extended-hour, offsite MMR vaccination clinics at community locations across the county, expanding access beyond its standard Monday-through-Friday, 9 a.m.-to-4 p.m. schedule to reach families and working residents who cannot make daytime appointments.

The first confirmed evening clinic runs April 1 from 1 to 4 p.m. at the Warnersville Community Recreation Center, 601 Doak St. in Greensboro. No appointment is needed; walk-ins are welcome.

"Vaccination is the most effective way to protect yourself, your family, and our community from measles," said Courtney McFadden, Guilford County Public Health Director. "By extending clinic hours, we hope to make it more convenient for everyone, especially families and working residents, to get vaccinated."

The move comes as regional measles concerns have intensified following a measles outbreak in South Carolina. Officials note that higher vaccination coverage protects not only those who receive the shot but also people who cannot, including newborns, individuals undergoing cancer treatment, and those with weakened immune systems. Measles is highly contagious, spreading through direct contact and the air, with the virus capable of lingering in a space for up to two hours after an infected person has left.

The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services recommends that all unvaccinated people ages one year and older receive the MMR vaccine. Health officials also advise anyone planning international travel or travel to a U.S. outbreak area to consult a provider about vaccination beforehand.

Residents visiting any clinic, whether the extended-hour community sessions or the standard locations, should bring health insurance information, including Medicaid cards, and any existing immunization records. Parents or guardians must accompany children during vaccination visits.

The county's regular immunization clinics continue operating at 1100 East Wendover Avenue in Greensboro and 501 East Green Drive in High Point. Appointments at either location can be scheduled by calling 336-641-3245. MMR vaccinations are also available through local health care providers and select pharmacies for those who prefer an alternative to county clinic sites.

The April 1 Warnersville session appears to be the first in a series of community clinic dates; the full schedule had not been publicly confirmed as of the county's March 9 announcement.