Rockland County Issues Apology for Unauthorized Hatzoloh Robocall Amid Measles Surge

By Y.M. Lowy

Rockland County Department of Health, is addressing an ongoing measles outbreak and is urging residents to ensure that both adults and children are up to date on their MMR vaccinations.

Today, amid the ongoing measles response, the county released an unauthorized robocall that directed residents to Hatzoloh. The message included Hatzoloh’s emergency hotline—a number intended for life-saving emergencies, not general medical questions. Hatzoloh was not involved in preparing the call and was not consulted beforehand. While anyone is welcome to contact Hatzoloh for emergencies, the robocall led to a surge of non-urgent calls, placing them under unnecessary strain.

Sources confirmed to RocklandDaily that there was a miscommunication when arranging this robocall. The Rockland County Department of Health worked with Hatzolah on a call about vaccinations ahead of the holidays, but the message that was agreed upon was not what was ultimately sent out. 

County representatives told RocklandDaily they regret the mistake and apologized for including the Hatzoloh number. They said the robocall was meant to share public health information, but acknowledged that the emergency line should not have been used.

Residents are reminded that free measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccines will be offered to those six months and older via the RCDOH Mobile Vaccination Van on Tuesday, December 2nd, from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at Rockland Kosher Supermarket, 27 Orchard Street, Monsey. Vaccines are also available through local healthcare providers, including Refuah Health and Sun River Health, or by calling the Rockland County Department of Health at 845-364-2497 or 845-364-2520.

Residents with measles symptoms are advised to stay home, avoid public places, and contact their health care provider before arriving for an appointment. 

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