Milwaukee mayor urges community to step up and get vaccinated at free clinics

MILWAUKEE (WITI) -- Doctors and public health officials are preparing for the possible arrival of measles in Wisconsin, as an outbreak originated in California's Disneyland moves swiftly across the country.

Milwaukee Mayor Tom Barrett is calling for the community to step up and get vaccinated.

"People are very mobile. This is a highly contagious disease and serious consequences for the very young, pregnant women and anyone who is immune compromised," said Paul Biedrzyski, Director of Disease Control Environmental Health for the City of Milwaukee.

So the City of Milwaukee is holding free immunization clinics.

Amribzette Strickland brought her 7-year-old daughter.

"I know she is missing one of her shots so she needs to get that, and plus I'm also here to get her flu shot," said Strickland.

Strickland feels getting this vaccine will best protect her daughter while she is at school.

"I think it's basically terrified because so many kids are getting infected because some parents don't believe in getting shots which puts my daughter in danger," said Strickland.

Some parents opt against vaccinating their children because of religious beliefs -- others because of a possible link to autism, but city health officials say that theory has been disproven.

"These vaccines are remarkably safe. In fact, a meta-analysis of over 46 studies shows no compelling evidence or correlation between vaccination and autism," said Biedrzyski.

If there's one good thing this measles outbreak has done, its restarted a nationwide conversation about vaccinations.

"There is more benefit than risk when we're talking about vaccination. We believe that vaccination is good, not only for the individual but for the community and the benefits to the community outweigh the risk to the individual," said Biedrzyski.

The city will hold a special immunization clinic next Saturday, February 14th, at the Keenan Health Center.

They also have regular clinic hours during the week -- CLICK HERE for details.

These clinics are being offered to assist parents in complying with state law.

Under Wisconsin law, children are required to be immunized against a range of illnesses -- including measles, mumps and pertussis, in order to attend school and childcare settings.