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Ulster Co. mandates vaccinations for summer camp attendees, staff

Jun 11, 2019 2:30 pm
The Daily Freeman is reporting a measles vaccination or proof of immunity will be required for those who attend or work at day and overnight camps in Ulster County, County Executive Pat Ryan announced June 11. Ryan said in a statement, the action taken was in response to the growing measles outbreak in New York City and lower Hudson Valley, which recently expanded into Greene and Sullivan counties. Sullivan County has mandated vaccinations for summer camp children and staff, as well. Measles is a highly contagious disease that can lead to serious health complications and death. The recent surge in measles cases has been attributed largely to the growing anti-vaccination movement among parents. "Our response is directly proportional to the risk, and we simply cannot allow for the possibility of a catastrophic and widespread measles epidemic taking hold in Ulster County," Dr. Carol Smith, the county's commissioner of health and mental health, said in a prepared statement. Additional information is available by calling the Ulster County Department of Health and Mental Health at (845) 340-3009.  Read the full story in the Daily Freeman.