Columbus, OH — In response to the recent measles outbreak impacting Ohio communities, Central Ohio Primary Care (COPC) has taken swift action to protect public health by proactively reaching out to more than 17,000 patients who were unvaccinated or eligible for early measles vaccination.
To date, 1,693 patients have responded by receiving the MMR (measles, mumps, rubella) vaccine through COPC, including 364 individuals who previously had no documented MMR protection.
“Measles is one of the most contagious diseases on the planet. Vaccination is not just about individual protection—it’s about safeguarding our entire community, especially those who can’t be vaccinated due to medical reasons,” said Derek McClellan, MD, Senior Medical Director at COPC.
COPC’s outreach campaign focused on families and individuals at higher risk, using direct email and MyChart communications to raise awareness of the outbreak and the importance of immunization. The campaign emphasized that fully vaccinated individuals are 97% protected from measles infection, while those unvaccinated face a 90% chance of contracting the disease if exposed.
This effort aligns with COPC’s mission to promote preventive health care and community well-being. "We’re encouraged by the strong response and will continue to reach out, educate, and support families in making informed choices about vaccination," Dr. McClellan added.