March 2025
Measles outbreak:
We are carefully monitoring the news of Measles circulating around the country. Measles is a highly contagious viral illness that can have serious long-term complications, so it is important to prevent it.
What you need to know:
Symptoms begin 7-14 days after exposure
Symptoms typically start as a high fever, cough, runny nose and red eyes; A few days later, a rash typically starts on the face and spreads down the body.
How to PREVENT getting measles:
The surest way to prevent getting measles is to get Measles Immunity
Are you immune? Check https://www.vdh.virginia.gov/measles/ to see how you can know if you are protected
The current vaccine schedule recommends an MMR vaccine at 12-15 months of age and another dose at age 4.
If you have children in this age group who have not yet received their vaccine, please schedule to get them vaccinated.
If your child is 3 years or older, or younger than 3 and has commercial insurance, you can schedule with Bremo Pharmacy: https://BremoPharmacy.as.me/Dandelion.
If your child is under 3 years old and has Medicaid or does not have insurance, you can schedule with the Health Department: (804) 482-5500.
Infants: If you have a child 6-12 months of age, Virginia Department of Health recommends vaccinating early for measles if you are planning to travel internationally or “to an outbreak setting.” We additionally recommend this early vaccination if you are a part of social communities that are not vaccinated. If your child is a member at Dandelion Health and you would like to pursue early vaccination, please contact us so we can guide you.
If you think you had exposure, or if you think you have symptoms, please isolate and contact us.
We will ask for your symptoms and potential exposure in advance
We will meet you outside for testing, as we have been doing for covid and flu tests
Update your insurance information:
It’s a new year! If you have new insurance, please send us a picture of the front and back of your card (either on Spruce or via email or text message). If you have lost your insurance, please also let us know.
Community Safety Planning:
Immigrants are a vibrant and vital part of our community, and we care about keeping the community safe. We would like to share some information from immigration justice organizations. Please share these as you see fit.
Immigration Attorneys in VA and DC area:
https://www.acluva.org/sites/default/files/1pg_referrals_ir_2024.pdf
Infographics in multiple languages on emergency preparedness and how to respond if ICE stops you or comes to your home or work.
https://www.immigrantdefenseproject.org/infographics/#0-know-your-rights
Guides in English and Spanish on how to respond if ICE shows up.
https://unitedwedream.org/resources/know-your-rights/
https://unitedwedream.org/resources/conoce-tus-derechos-una-guia-para-inmigrantes/
Community Collaboration Spotlight:
La Casa de la Salud is a local organization of Community Health Workers developed to address the needs of our LatinoAmerican community members. Through their radio station, different programs and workshops, this team provides patient education, advocacy, and skill sharing for effective management of chronic illness. Dandelion Health has referred patients there for support and care navigation, and Dr. Joe has spoken on their radio show in the past! Check out their work and consider making a donation to support them.
Radio Show: 30 minute segment every other week on Radio Poder 1380
