Pop-up Clinic Offers MMR Vaccine After Measles Cases in Northeast Florida

Health officials launch vaccination drive amid growing concerns over measles outbreak in the region.

Feb. 1, 2026 at 12:47pm

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The Florida Department of Health and Duval County Department of Health have launched a pop-up vaccination clinic in Jacksonville in response to recent measles cases reported in Northeast Florida. The three-hour clinic at the Regency Square library offered the MMR vaccine, which protects against measles, mumps, and rubella, as well as other immunizations. The move comes amid growing concerns over the rise in measles cases in the region and proposed legislation that could expand vaccine exemptions in Florida.

Why it matters

Measles is a highly contagious viral disease that can lead to serious complications, especially in young children. The recent cases in Northeast Florida have raised concerns about the potential for further spread of the disease, highlighting the importance of vaccination efforts to protect public health. The proposed legislation to expand vaccine exemptions has also sparked debate around the balance between individual choice and community-wide health decisions.

The details

The pop-up vaccination clinic was launched by the Florida Department of Health and Duval County Department of Health in response to two measles cases reported in children in Duval County and one case in an adult in St. Johns County, contributing to a total of nine cases across Florida. The clinic offered the MMR vaccine, which is 93% effective at preventing measles after one dose and 97% effective after a second dose, as well as influenza and Hepatitis A vaccines.

  • The pop-up vaccination clinic was held on Sunday, February 1, 2026.
  • The recent measles cases in Northeast Florida have been reported in the past few weeks.

The players

Florida Department of Health

The state agency responsible for public health and disease prevention in Florida.

Duval County Department of Health

The local health department serving Duval County, which includes the city of Jacksonville.

Dr. Sunil Joshi

The Chief Health Officer for Jacksonville, who expressed confidence in containment efforts and emphasized the importance of vaccination.

State Sen. Clay Yarborough

The Florida state senator who has introduced a 'Medical Freedom Bill' that would allow parents to claim conscience-based exemptions to school vaccine mandates.

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What they’re saying

“This could happen if people are not as vaccinated as they have been in the past. We are going to start seeing numbers for measles go up, not just here but other parts of the country as well. Prevention becomes the key thing.”

— Dr. Sunil Joshi, Chief Health Officer, Jacksonville

“We are not removing any vaccines, we are not banning any vaccines. We are just giving parents the option. Maybe they're compelled by something other than a religious belief, but they do not have any other avenue where they can truthfully file an objection.”

— State Sen. Clay Yarborough

“I don't think blaming parents and blaming each other is the way to go at any of these situations. If we are all looking to do what is in the best interest of our children, we would look at doing what is in the best interest of the community at large. Taking advice from your trusted health care provider will be the best way to prevent community spread from all these communicable diseases.”

— Dr. Sunil Joshi, Chief Health Officer, Jacksonville

What’s next

Health officials continue to monitor the situation and encourage residents to stay up-to-date with recommended vaccinations.

The takeaway

The recent measles cases in Northeast Florida highlight the ongoing debate around vaccine policies and the need for a balanced approach that prioritizes community health while respecting individual concerns. As the state considers legislation that could expand vaccine exemptions, public health officials emphasize the importance of vaccination in preventing the spread of highly contagious diseases like measles.