USA Health establishes Measles Readiness Task Force to prepare for potential cases
As measles cases continue to mount in surrounding counties and states, USA Health is taking proactive measures to safeguard the community
USA Health has established a Measles Readiness Task Force as part of its ongoing commitment to protecting the safety of patients, families and employees.
While no operational changes are required at this time, the multidisciplinary task force is meeting regularly and developing a comprehensive action plan to ensure consistent, safe and timely care across all USA Health facilities should measles cases emerge in the region.
The action plan will include:
- Standardized clinical pathways for identification, triage, isolation, evaluation, and management of patients with suspected measles in both outpatient and inpatient settings.
- Enhanced access and processes for verifying vaccination status, including the use of ImmPRINT across clinical areas.
- Systemwide infection prevention guidelines, including room placement, patient flow, and environmental cleaning.
- Education materials for healthcare personnel, patients, parents, and caregivers — covering measles symptoms, transmission, prevention, and vaccination guidance.
- Employee health strategies, including review of MMR vaccination status for staff in high-risk areas and guidance for clinical and support personnel.
- Ambulatory care readiness, with processes for scheduling, call triage guidance, and safe handling of patients who may present with rash or fever.
- Coordination with EMS partners and transport teams, including communication protocols for suspected cases.
- Pharmacy preparedness, including assessment of immunoglobulin and MMR vaccine availability.
- Environmental services education, focusing on cleaning protocols specific to measles.
- Public relations and community engagement planning to support awareness and address vaccine hesitancy, if needed.
- Ongoing monitoring of measles activity within Alabama and surrounding areas to ensure rapid response to changing conditions.
The Measles Readiness Task Force includes clinical, operational, infection prevention, pharmacy, employee health, ambulatory, EMS, EVS, and communications leaders from across the system. The task force’s coordinated work will help ensure that USA Health remains prepared, aligned, and ready to deliver safe care should cases arise in our community.
Updates will continue to be shared as materials, protocols, and training resources become available.
