A child died in Texas during a recent measles outbreak, so Dr. Jennifer Bales, Wayne County’s health officer, advocated for measles vaccinations during the March 11 Board of Health meeting.
Bales said it’s not time to panic because she had not heard about any cases in Indiana. However, she said residents should make sure they’re protected, and vaccinations prevent outbreaks. The goal is a 95% vaccination rate, and Wayne County’s childhood vaccination completion rate is 87.5%.
Measles is extremely contagious, Bales said, much more so than COVID-19 or influenza. It’s passed through the air and causes fever, cough and rash.
Two doses of the MMR (measles, mumps and rubella) vaccine are necessary for immunity. In children, the first dose is around age 1 and the second dose around age 5. Bales said that residents born in 1957 or before are considered immune. Those born from 1958 through 1968, though, received a different vaccine and should receive the two MMR doses to protect themselves. Anyone born after 1968 who has had two MMR doses is considered protected.
Bales recommends anyone not immune receive the two MMR doses for protection.
Contract, MOUs
The health board approved the health department’s legal contract and two memoranda of understanding. Dan Burk, the health department’s executive director, then took all three before Wayne County’s commissioners March 12 and received their approval.
The department will contract with Boston Bever Forrest Cross & Sickmann for $35,000 during 2025. Any enforcement actions or additional work will be billed at $250 per hour. The firm has Chris Armour representing the health department.
Through the MOU, Wayne County will conduct lead testing for Union County. Union County will reimburse expenses and is responsible for all enforcement and education. Union County will pay $280 for tests at three-bedroom homes, $308 for tests at four-bedroom and larger homes, and $252 for tests at two-bedroom and smaller homes.
Centerstone also required an MOU for the health department to provide vaccinations to indigent patients. Burk said the department would provide that service anyway, but Centerstone was required to have the MOU.
Board member
Before the March 11 meeting, the health board interviewed candidates to fill the board vacancy created by the resignation of Curtis Wright, the superintendent for Richmond Community Schools.
The board unanimously recommended Emily Schaeffer, the superintendent of Nettle Creek schools, to fill the vacancy. Dr. Paul Rider, the board chair, said it will be good having Schaeffer represent western Wayne County on the board and fit into the board’s education slot.
The commissioners also considered that recommendation the next day and unanimously appointed Schaeffer to the board.
A version of this article appeared in the March 19 2025 print edition of the Western Wayne News.