Due to the outbreak of measles in Stokes, Orange and Polk counties in North Carolina, the Rutherford and Polk County Health departments will provide free Measles, Mumps and Rubella (MMR) vaccines to residents over age 1 year old, including adults. Free vaccine is available at the following locations and times:

• Polk County Health Department from 8:30 a.m. until 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday, except between noon and 1 p.m.

• Rutherford County Health Department from 8:30 a.m until 4:30 p.m Monday through Friday.

Because Landrum, borders Polk County, residents of Landrum are also eligible for free MMR vaccine at the Polk County Health Department.

Anyone over 5 years old should have had two MMR vaccines. Any one who has had two MMR vaccines and anyone born before 1957 is considered immune and is protected against measles. The free MMR vaccine is only provided at the health department at this time. Please call your local health department if you have questions.