by Michele Catahay

Guam - A free clinic was held today at the North Wing of the Micronesia Mall for the measles, mumps and rubella shots. Individuals from the ages of one to 18 years of age are encouraged to get their shots. According to Immunization Program Supervisor Annette Aguon, it takes as long as two weeks after the vaccination for a person to be protected from the viruses.

Department of Public Health officials estimate that the mumps outbreak has climbed by at least five cases a day. "The majority of the children we have seen are up to date, however we have seen some individuals who have either need their first or second dose of MMR," she confirmed. "Because of our large outbreak that we're currently experiencing on Guam - we have 200 cases - we decided to do another preventive measure to have an MMR campaign and give to children 1 to 18 years of age."

Officials with the Centers for Disease Control provided 3,000 additional doses. In addition to volunteers from Public Health, Department of Education nurses were on hand to help with vaccinations, as well as those from Andersen Air Force Base.