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New Spokane County mumps cases prompt free vaccine clinic

Pediatrician Charles Goodman poses for photo with the MMR vaccine, an immunization vaccine against measles, mumps, and rubella, at his practice in Northridge, Calif., Thursday, Jan. 29, 2015. With California gripped by a measles outbreak, Dr. Goodman posted a clear notice on his door and on Facebook: His practice would no longer see children whose parents won't get them vaccinated. (Damian Dovarganes / Associated Press)
By Rachel Alexander rachela@spokesman.com(509) 459-5406

Nine people in Spokane County have been diagnosed with mumps, prompting the Spokane Regional Health District to offer a free vaccination clinic Jan. 11.

Free measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccines will be available for all ages Jan. 11 from 3-7 p.m. at the Salvation Army Community Center, 223 E. Nora Ave. The clinic is sponsored by Walgreens and the Salvation Army.

The tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis vaccine, as well as flu shots, will also be available for free. Parents should bring vaccination records for children under 18.

Snacks and juice will be available.

The current mumps outbreak started in mid-December with two cases and has since sickened seven more. Five of the cases, including the original two, are in people between 10 and 19 years old.

Although about half of the people who have come down with mumps were vaccinated, vaccines remain the best way to prevent the disease, the health district said. Two doses of the MMR vaccine provide 88 percent protection from mumps.