In response to a confirmed case of measles in neighboring Reno County and an ongoing regional outbreak, Rice Community Health is working closely with the Rice County Health Department and the Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) to expand access to the MMR (measles, mumps, rubella) vaccine.
As of May 28, 2025, the Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) has confirmed 58 measles cases statewide. This includes 54 cases linked to an ongoing outbreak in southwest Kansas, as well as individual cases in Sedgwick and Reno counties. While no cases have been reported in Rice County, it’s important to note that Reno County—where a case has been confirmed—borders our community.
What Rice County Residents Need to Know
In response to confirmed measles cases in nearby counties, the Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) has expanded eligibility for the MMR vaccine:
- Infants aged 6–11 months are now eligible for an early, protective dose of the MMR vaccine.
- Children ages 1–12 who have previously received one dose may receive a second dose early, provided it is given at least 28 days after the first.
This additional protection is especially important for families traveling this summer, particularly to or near outbreak areas. Please contact us if you have questions about eligibility or scheduling.
“The recommendation to begin offering the MMR vaccine to infants as young as six months is based on updated guidance from KDHE and the growing concern about measles exposure in our region,” said Dr. Stacy Dashiel, Chief Medical Officer and Family Medicine Physician at Sterling Family Care. “This early dose provides an extra layer of protection for our youngest and most vulnerable patients—especially important given how contagious measles is. Our goal is to stay ahead of potential outbreaks and help families feel confident that their children are protected.”
Teens and Adults May Need a Booster
If you’re unsure whether you’ve had two doses of the MMR vaccine or if you don’t have proof of immunity, you may benefit from vaccination—especially if you:
- Were born after 1957
- Never had measles or an MMR vaccine
- Are a college student, healthcare worker, or international traveler
School and Daycare Requirements
The MMR vaccine is required for school and licensed daycare entry in Kansas.
The new early dose recommendation for infants 6–11 months is especially important for:
- Families with babies in daycare
- Those planning to travel to areas with active measles cases
Where to Get Vaccinated
MMR vaccines are available at multiple locations in Rice County for both insured and uninsured individuals:
-
Sterling Family Care offers walk-in immunizations—no appointment needed—and serves patients with or without insurance. They are also a Vaccines for Children (VFC) provider, offering free vaccines to eligible children under 19 who are uninsured, underinsured, Medicaid-eligible, or American Indian/Alaska Native.
239 N. Broadway Ave, Sterling, KS | 620-278-2123 -
Lyons Family Care provides MMR vaccines to insured patients by appointment only.
1221 W. Main St, Lyons, KS | 620-257-5124 -
The Rice County Health Department is offering no-cost MMR vaccines for adults and children, regardless of insurance, in response to the current measles outbreak.
1432 W. Commercial St, Lyons, KS | 620-257-2171
Please call ahead if you have questions or to confirm availability. Walk-ins are welcome where noted, but calling ahead is always encouraged to ensure a nurse is available.
Why This Matters
Measles is a serious, highly contagious illness that spreads through the air and can remain in a room for up to two hours after an infected person has left. Symptoms typically appear 7–14 days after exposure and may include:
- High fever
- Cough
- Runny nose
- Red eyes
- A spreading rash that usually begins at the hairline
People with measles are contagious from four days before to four days after the rash appears.
If you believe you’ve been exposed to or are experiencing symptoms, please call before visiting any Rice Community Health facility. This helps us keep our patients and staff safe.
Your Local Resource for Prevention and Care
Rice Community Health and the Rice County Health Department are working together to provide access to MMR vaccines and up-to-date information to keep our community safe. Vaccines are available for eligible infants, children, teens, and adults at the following locations:
- Sterling Family Care
239 N. Broadway Ave, Sterling, KS 67579
Phone: 620-278-2123
- Lyons Family Care
1221 W. Main St, Lyons, KS 67554
Phone: 620-257-5124
- Rice County Health Department
1432 W. Commercial St, Lyons, KS 67554
Phone: 620-257-2171
For statewide information and guidance, visit: kdhe.ks.gov/Measles
