Jacksonville Health Official Urges Vaccine Safety, Announces Free Clinic Amid Measles Cases

City's Chief Health Officer cites declining vaccination rates as concern for spread of highly contagious virus.

Jan. 29, 2026 at 7:31am

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The City of Jacksonville Chief Health Officer, Dr. Sunil Joshi, stressed the safety of vaccines and announced a free immunization clinic this weekend in response to recent measles cases in Northeast Florida, including two children in Jacksonville and one adult in St. Johns County. Dr. Joshi said declining vaccination rates have raised concerns about the potential for the measles virus to continue spreading.

Why it matters

Measles was once virtually eliminated in the U.S., but the highly contagious virus has been making a comeback globally and in parts of the country, including Florida. Public health officials are concerned that lower vaccination rates could allow measles to spread further, underscoring the importance of immunizations to protect vulnerable populations.

The details

Several measles cases have been confirmed in Northeast Florida, prompting the city's health department to take action. In an effort to prevent further spread of the virus, the City of Jacksonville and the Health Department are offering a free 'pop-up' immunization clinic this Sunday, February 1st, from 9am to 12pm at the Regency Library.

  • Several measles cases have been confirmed in Northeast Florida, including two children in Jacksonville and one adult in St. Johns County.
  • The free immunization clinic will be held on Sunday, February 1, 2026 from 9am to 12pm.

The players

Dr. Sunil Joshi

The City of Jacksonville Chief Health Officer who stressed the safety of vaccines and announced the free immunization clinic.

Bruce Hamilton

A News4JAX anchor who interviewed Dr. Joshi on The Morning Show.

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What they’re saying

“Measles was virtually eliminated in the United States, but it is making a comeback globally, in the United States, and here in Florida.”

— Dr. Sunil Joshi, City of Jacksonville Chief Health Officer

What’s next

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The takeaway

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