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Student Health Services

Measles Preparedness

Measles is a highly infectious disease which has recently reappeared as a public health threat due to declining rates of immunization in the US and worldwide. As of August 1, 2019, the CDC has confirmed 1,172 cases of measles in 30 states, and the spread of measles is expected to increase in the next few months. Although SC has not reported any cases so far in 2019, there is a strong likelihood that measles will appear somewhere in the state in 2019. According to the CDC, unvaccinated college students are at increased risk of infection with measles compared to the general population. Clemson University has established a requirement that all students provide proof of immunity to measles and other vaccine-preventable diseases as a condition of enrollment at the university. Redfern Health Center will continue to rigorously enforce immunization requirements in order to minimize the risks of a measles outbreak at Clemson University. The university continues to monitor the situation and will update the campus community as needed.

  • Symptoms and Complications of Measles
    • Measles spreads through the air when an infected person coughs or sneezes. It is so contagious that if one person has it, up to 9 out of 10 people around them will also become infected if they are not protected.

       

      Measles starts with a fever. Soon after, it causes a cough, runny nose and red eyes. Then a rash of tiny, red spots breaks out. It starts at the head and spreads to the rest of the body. The rash can last for a week, and coughing can last for 10 days. Measles can cause serious health complications, such as pneumonia or encephalitis, and even death.

       

      Learn More About Measles Symptoms and Complications

  • MMR Vaccine is Safe and Effective
    • Measles is preventable. The MMR (Measles-Mumps-Rubella) vaccine is very safe and effective at preventing measles (as well as mumps and rubella). Vaccines, like any medicine, can have side effects. However, most people who get the MMR vaccine have no side effects. The side effects that do occur are usually very mild, such as a fever, rash, soreness or swelling where the vaccine was given, or temporary pain and stiffness in the joints (mostly in teens and adults). More serious side effects are rare.

       

      Scientific studies and reviews continue to show that there is no link between vaccines and autism. Vaccine ingredients do not cause autism. Numerous scientists have studied the MMR vaccine and thimerosal, and they reach the same conclusion: there is no link between the MMR vaccine or thimerosal and autism.

       

      Medical Clearance Requirements

  • Measles at Clemson University

    If a case of measles is diagnosed on campus, Redfern Health Center will coordinate with the SC Department of Health and Environmental Control (DHEC) to prevent spread of the disease to others. According to DHEC, an individual diagnosed with measles must be isolated from others until the risk of transmission is past. Anyone with significant exposure to the infected person, who cannot provide proof of immunity, may be subject to quarantine for up to 21 days. A recent single case of measles at UCLA resulted in the quarantine of nearly 200 students and staff until they could provide proof of immunity or the risk of developing measles had passed.


    Are you immune to measles?

    If you are exposed to measles and have submitted documentation of the required MMR (Measles-Mumps-Rubella) vaccination or other proof of immunity to Redfern, your immunity to measles can be quickly confirmed and you would not be subject to quarantine. If you are exposed and have not satisfied the university’s vaccine requirements, you may be subject to quarantine and barred from campus, classes or other public spaces for up to 21 days or until your immunity is established.


    Not sure if you've received the MMR vaccine? Just log in to MyHealth-e using your Clemson username and password, and click on "Immunizations" to see your vaccination record and if you're compliant.


    To avoid the risk of quarantine, act now to complete the medical clearance process!

    Redfern will help you establish your proof of immunity to measles or other required vaccinations with an immunization, lab test or submission of acceptable documentation.


    Learn More About Immunization Options at Redfern

  • Exemptions

    If completion of medical clearance requirements is contraindicated for medical reasons, approval of the healthcare provider is required along with documentation of the need for the exemption and signed Medical Exemption Form


    If a religious exemption is requested, complete the Religious Exemption Form.

Student Health Services
Student Health Services | Redfern Health Center, 735 McMillan Road, Clemson, SC 29634