While the situation is worrisome, measles is highly preventable with the MMR (measles, mumps, and rubella) vaccine. For context, about 94% of cases were among people who are unvaccinated or didn’t know their vaccine status. That’s why we’re encouraging you to help us stay prepared by sharing your vaccination records in MyUHS.

If a vaccine-preventable illness like measles occurred on campus, state public health laws require students to quarantine if we don’t have proof of immunity. If you’re living on campus, you could be asked to return home or find space outside the residence halls at your own expense.

Check your vaccination status 

Many students received a series of 2 MMR vaccines when they were kids. The MMR vaccine is a common requirement for public schools because of the serious health effects of measles and how contagious it is. For every one person who gets measles, up to 18 unvaccinated people will become infected – That makes measles about 9 times more infectious than COVID-19. The MMR vaccine is highly effective in preventing measles and is our most important tool to prevent infection and further spread of the disease. 

If you are from Wisconsin, you can check the Wisconsin Immunization Registry. If you are from another U.S. state, navigate to your state’s immunization website using this portal. You may also contact your primary care provider to obtain your records.  If you haven’t received 2-doses of the MMR vaccine, you are highly recommended to get vaccinated. UHS provides MMR vaccines for a cost. Vaccines are also available at local Madison pharmacies. 

Upload your record to MyUHS 

Once you check your MMR vaccine status, please let UHS know by uploading your records to MyUHS. This is important because it helps our campus stay prepared as we continue to monitor infectious disease activity. In the event of an outbreak, we can then quickly identify students who are unvaccinated and at high risk for measles.

1. Login to MyUHS 
2. Once logged in, go to Medical Clearances. Click Update next to Immunization Record. Upload a file that includes your records along with your full name and date of birth. 
3. Next, click Update next to Measles. Add Immunization under Vaccine History entering the Date and Immunization. Complete this process two times to reflect the full measles vaccination series.  

After that, your vaccine records will be reviewed by UHS staff members. Please note: You will continue to see “Not Compliant” under Status and along with “Awaiting Review” under Details while your records are under review. This assures you that you have uploaded your records correctly. Your Status will update once the records are reviewed.

While this is worrisome, measles is highly preventable with the MMR (measles, mumps, and rubella) vaccine. For context, among the over 200 cases, about 94% of them were among people who are unvaccinated. With spring break just around the corner, it’s important to prepare for any upcoming travel and take the proper steps to protect your health and the health of others. 

Check your vaccination status 

Many students received a series of 2 MMR vaccines when they were kids. The MMR vaccine is a common requirement for public schools because of the serious health effects of measles and how contagious it is. For every one person who gets measles, up to 18 unvaccinated people will become infected – That makes measles about 9 times more infectious than COVID-19. The MMR vaccine is highly effective in preventing measles and is our most important tool to prevent infection and further spread of the disease. 

If you are from Wisconsin, you can check the Wisconsin Immunization Registry. If you are from another U.S. state, visit the CDC website for ways to locate your vaccination records. Your home health care provider or a parent can also help you locate your vaccination records to check for the MMR vaccine (which is a 2-dose series). 

If you haven’t received 2-doses of the MMR vaccine, you are highly recommended to get vaccinated. UHS provides MMR vaccines for a cost. Vaccines are also available at local Madison pharmacies. 

Upload your record to MyUHS 

Once you check your MMR vaccine status, please let UHS know by uploading your records to MyUHS. This is important because it helps our campus stay prepared as we continue to monitor infectious disease activity. In the event of an outbreak, we can then quickly identify students who are unvaccinated and at high risk for measles. Since measles is so infectious, in the event of an outbreak, any exposed students without documented proof of 2 doses of MMR vaccine would have to quarantine to prevent further spread.  

1. Login to MyUHS 
2. Once logged in, go to Medical Clearances. Click Update next to Immunization Record. Upload a file that includes your records along with your full name and date of birth. 
3. Next, click Update next to Measles. Add Immunization under Vaccine History entering the Date and Immunization. 

After that, your vaccine records will be reviewed by UHS staff members. Thank you for doing your part to keep yourself, and campus, healthy. 

Why is measles a concern? 

Measles is one of the most contagious diseases. In fact, it’s so contagious that if one person has it, up to 90 percent of the people close to that person who are not immune will also become infected. On a large college campus like UW-Madison, where people live and go to class in close proximity to one another, measles could spread quickly among people who do not have the MMR (measles, mumps, and rubella) vaccine. 

Unfortunately, due to a decline in vaccination rates, measles has become more common in the United States in recent years despite previously being documented as eliminated from the U.S. in 2000. Measles is also still common in many parts of the world. 

What are the symptoms of measles? 

The first symptoms of measles appear 7-14 days after infection. They include: 

• High fever (may spike to more than 104 degrees Fahrenheit) 
• Cough 
• Runny nose 
• Red, watery eyes 

From there, tiny white spots (called Koplik spots) may appear inside the mouth. Then, a rash breaks out on the face at the hairline and spreads downward on the neck, trunk, arms, legs, and feet. 

Students experiencing symptoms of measles should contact UHS immediately at 608-265-5600. 

What should I do to prevent measles? 

Measles can be prevented with the MMR (measles, mumps, and rubella) vaccine. Most people received this vaccine in childhood, but you can check your vaccination status by consulting the Wisconsin Immunization Registry if you’re from Wisconsin, or by reaching out to your health care provider.  

If you have not received an MMR vaccine, you are encouraged to get vaccinated through a local pharmacy, your health care provider, or, if you’re a student, through UHS. Public Health Madison & Dane County also provides MMR vaccination to uninsured adults.