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Where to get measles vaccine in El Paso [1]
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Date: 2025-03-03
Amid the worsening West Texas measles outbreak, the El Paso Department of Public Health is encouraging people to get the two-dose measles, mumps and rubella vaccine as a preventive measure.
The Texas Department of State Health Services announced last week the first death in the outbreak, an unvaccinated school-aged child who was hospitalized in Lubbock.
As of Feb. 28, Texas and New Mexico health officials have confirmed more than 150 measles cases all together since late January, spreading from undervaccinated Gaines County near Lubbock to surrounding counties. Children younger than 18 make up the majority of cases and the state has confirmed only five of the Texas patients were vaccinated with at least one dose of the MMR vaccine.
El Paso’s last measles outbreak was in 2019, infecting six people on Fort Bliss, including three unvaccinated children.
LEARN MORE: As West Texas measles outbreak spreads, how protected are El Paso school children?
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends children start their first MMR dose at 12 through 15 months of age, and the second dose at 4 through 6 years of age. Texas requires two MMR doses for all children entering kindergarten in public and private schools.
In general, the MMR vaccine is good for life. The CDC advises people vaccinated before 1968 get another dose. People who are unsure if they’re vaccinated can take a titer, a blood test to determine their immunity.
Most government and private health insurance plans cover the cost of routine vaccines. People can ask for the MMR vaccine from their pediatrician or local pharmacy. Here are three other measles vaccine providers in El Paso you can visit:
El Paso Community Clinics (low-cost option)
The El Paso Department of Public Health offers immunization at four clinics. The vaccine itself is free, but the clinics charge an administration fee.
Cost of MMR vaccine: $8 per dose for eligible children; $15 per dose for eligible adults. Private insurance not accepted.
Eligibility for children: People 18 and younger can qualify for the Texas Vaccines for Children program if they are Medicaid eligible, uninsured, American Indian or Alaskan Native, enrolled in CHIP or underinsured. The state defines underinsured as a child who has private health insurance, but coverage does not include vaccines, or a child whose insurance covers only select vaccines, in which case the program only covers the excluded vaccines.
Eligibility for adults: People 19 and older qualify for the Adult Safety Net program if they are uninsured or finishing a vaccine series they started under Texas Vaccines for Children.
Titers: The clinics do not offer tests to measure measles antibodies.
How to make an appointment: Walk-ins are accepted, or people can make an appointment by calling a clinic. All clinics are open from 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and closed for lunch from noon to 1 p.m. Monday- to Friday.
It is recommended that walk-ins get to the clinic by 11:30 a.m. before lunch break, or before 3:30 p.m. if after lunch.
Locations:
Lower Valley , 9341 Alameda Ave., 915-212-0758.
, 9341 Alameda Ave., 915-212-0758. Northeast , 9566 Railroad Drive, 915-212-6626.
, 9566 Railroad Drive, 915-212-6626. Downtown , 721 Mesa St., 915-212-0756.
, 721 Mesa St., 915-212-0756. West, 7380 Remcon Circle, 915-212-8890.
Immunize El Paso Clinics
Immunize El Paso arranges mobile vaccine clinics at schools throughout El Paso, including this one at Americas High School. (Courtesy of Immunize El Paso)
The nonprofit Immunize El Paso offers immunization for children at all three clinics and for adults at the two Eastside clinics.
Cost of MMR vaccine: $10 per dose for children who qualify for Texas Vaccines for Children; $120 per dose for adults paying out of pocket. Medicaid, Medicare and most private insurances are also accepted and cost depends on coverage.
Titers: The test to measure measles antibodies costs $30. Other titers are also available.
How to make an appointment: Immunizations are available only on a walk-in basis. People can call ahead to verify their insurance or ask for more information at 915-533-3414.
Locations:
East , 1400 George Dieter Drive, Suite 225. Open 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday-Friday; 9 a.m.-noon Saturday
, 1400 George Dieter Drive, Suite 225. Open 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday-Friday; 9 a.m.-noon Saturday East , 6292 Trowbridge Drive. Open 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday-Tuesday, Thursday-Friday; 8 a.m.-7 p.m. Wednesday; 9 a.m.-noon Saturday
, 6292 Trowbridge Drive. Open 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday-Tuesday, Thursday-Friday; 8 a.m.-7 p.m. Wednesday; 9 a.m.-noon Saturday Downtown (children-only immunizations), 513 W. San Antonio Ave., Suite B. Open 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Monday
UTEP Student Health Center
The University of Texas at El Paso requires the MMR vaccine for students enrolled in specific health-related courses and programs, but encourages all students to get vaccinated.
Cost of MMR vaccine: $112 per dose for students paying out of pocket. Some private insurances accepted.
Eligibility: Must be an enrolled student.
Titers: The health center does not offer tests to measure measles antibodies.
How to make an appointment: Call 915-747-5624. The health center is open 7:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. and 1 p.m.-4 p.m. Monday-Friday.
Location: Union Building East, Suite 100, 500 W. University Ave.
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