LEONARDTOWN, Md. — The St. Mary’s County Health Department (SMCHD) will offer free measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine clinics in May 2025 for children and adults, aiming to prevent measles outbreaks amid rising cases nationwide. No appointments are needed for the walk-in clinics, which will be held at two school-based health centers in Lexington Park and Mechanicsville.
SMCHD recommends the MMR vaccine for most individuals lacking immunity or vaccination records. Clinics are scheduled at Spring Ridge Middle School-Based Health Center, 19856 Three Notch Road, Lexington Park, and Margaret Brent Middle School-Based Health Center, 29675 Point Lookout Road, Mechanicsville, on May 1, 6, 15, 20, and 31, 2025. Health insurance is not required but will be collected if available. Vaccines are also available daily by appointment at SMCHD’s Health Clinic in Leonardtown and school-based health centers.
“Measles is a highly contagious, vaccine-preventable viral infection,” SMCHD stated in its announcement. While Maryland has no current measles transmission, outbreaks in multiple U.S. states prompted the initiative. SMCHD advises consulting primary care providers for eligibility guidance.
The clinics will operate Thursdays and Tuesdays from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m., and Saturday, May 31, from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. at both locations. Measles spreads through respiratory droplets, causing fever, rash, cough, and conjunctivitis 7-14 days after exposure. Complications can include pneumonia or encephalitis, especially in young children. The MMR vaccine, typically given at 12-15 months and 4-6 years, is highly effective.
The initiative reflects growing concerns about measles resurgence. Vaccination coverage in St. Mary’s County is high, but gaps among unvaccinated individuals increase outbreak risks. School-based health centers, designed to serve students and families, expand access for uninsured residents. SMCHD’s clinics aim to boost immunity before measles reaches the county.
St. Mary’s County, with about 114,000 residents, has not reported measles cases in 2025. Its proximity to urban areas heightens the need for preparedness. SMCHD has a history of hosting vaccination clinics, including for flu and COVID-19, to promote community health. The May clinics target families and adults to ensure broad protection.
Nationally, measles cases have risen due to vaccine hesitancy. The MMR vaccine’s strong safety record counters misinformation, but some parents remain skeptical. SMCHD’s walk-in clinics aim to make vaccination accessible, encouraging participation to safeguard public health. The department emphasizes early vaccination to prevent severe outcomes in children and vulnerable populations.
