Measles, Mumps, & Rubella
Measles
Measles is very contagious and can be serious. Anyone who is unvaccinated can get measles when traveling abroad or even in the U.S. Two doses of MMR vaccine provide the best protection against measles. Some vaccinated people may still get measles if they are exposed to the virus. However, disease symptoms are milder in vaccinated people.
Measles typically begins with:
- high fever (may spike to more than 104°),
- cough,
- runny nose (coryza), and
- red, watery eyes (conjunctivitis).
Mumps
Mumps is a contagious disease that is caused by a virus. Even though the vaccine has drastically reduced mumps cases, outbreaks still occur. Outbreaks have most commonly occurred among groups of people who have prolonged, close contact, such as sharing water bottles or cups, kissing, practicing sports together, or living in close quarters, with a person who has mumps. Some vaccinated people may still get mumps if they are exposed to the virus. However, disease symptoms are milder in vaccinated people.
Mumps typically begins with:
- A few days of fever, headache, muscle aches, tiredness, and loss of appetite.
- Most will have swelling of their salivary glands (often referred to as parotitis when the parotid gland, located in front and below the ear, swells). This is what causes the puffy cheeks and a tender, swollen jaw.
Rubella
Rubella is a contagious disease caused by a virus. Most people who get rubella usually have a mild illness. The best protection against rubella is MMR (measles-mumps-rubella) vaccine.
Rubella typically begins with:
- a low-grade fever
- sore throat
- a rash that starts on the face and spreads to the rest of the body
Measles, Mumps, Rubella (MMR) Vaccine
All students must provide documentation of two (2) MMR vaccinations to the health center in order to enroll for classes. Follow the directions on the Immunization Compliance form.
Records can be submitted:
-
By uploading to the Health Center's Web Portal
- Uploading via the Patient Web Portal is preferred, as this is the fastest and easiest way to make sure your records are uploaded and retained. Uploading is only available to current students and incoming students a semester in advance of your first semester at the university. For example, if you are an incoming student for Fall, you will be able to upload your records the Summer session before the Fall semester begins.
- By fax to 1-866-409-1980
- In-person at the clinic
Records can be obtained from private physician’s office, high school transcripts, or the Arkansas Department of Health immunization database (Arkansas high school students only).
Students can also receive the MMR vaccine at the Allergy, Immunization, and Travel Clinic.