Campus Life

UHS stresses importance of MMR vaccine

UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. -- Penn State's University Health Services (UHS) is reminding all students to be sure they are adequately immunized against measles. Measles is a rare infection in countries such as the United States where immunization rates are high. However, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), measles still kills nearly 200,000 people each year around the world. Measles also can cause miscarriage and premature birth. Anyone who has not had medically confirmed measles should receive two doses of the measles vaccine, often given as two doses of the measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccine. This is especially important when traveling abroad to countries where measles outbreaks occur.

Immunization against measles is required for all incoming Penn State students. Students who have not been immunized may receive the MMR vaccine at UHS or another health care provider. To schedule an appointment for vaccination, students can visit myUHS at http://www.sa.psu.edu/uhs or call (814) 863-0774.

Four preschool children in Berks County, Pa., were diagnosed with measles in July 2011. During the infectious period, these cases may have exposed others in multiple counties, including Berks, Delaware, Lehigh and Bucks. The Pennsylvania Department of Health is reporting that this is the third cluster of measles cases in the commonwealth this year, and measles cases in the United States are at their highest level since 1996. Most cases are related to international travel to countries experiencing outbreaks including France, United Kingdom, Spain, Switzerland, Africa and Asia.

For more information about measles, visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website at http://www.cdc.gov/measles/index.html online.

 

Last Updated April 19, 2017