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. 

Approximately 95 students had enrolled in these programs to date.

The health and safety of UW–Madison participants remains our number one priority. UW Study Abroad, in conjunction with other University of Wisconsin administrators as well as internal and external experts, continues to closely monitor and review developments related to COVID-19 and travel safety as they become known, and will provide updates and further guidance as needed.

If you plan on drinking: Know your limits. Alternate alcoholic drinks with water; avoid over-indulging in the sun as it can dehydrate you faster; keep an eye on your friends if they’ve had too much to drink; and know who to call in case of a medical emergency.

If you’ll be in the sun, wear sunscreen (applies to mountain tops, too!): Lather on a SPF 30 or higher every two hours and limit your exposure between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. when the sun’s rays are the strongest. Follow this advice and you’ll be more likely to glow than bake.

Let’s talk about sex:
Don’t feel comfortable? Don’t do it. Always get consent from your partner; carry and use condoms; if someone in your group experiences a sexual assault, call 800-656-HOPE for a rape crisis service near you, or in Madison, contact the Rape Crisis Center’s 24-hour hotline: 608-251-RAPE. Before or after break, students who are interested in getting tested for sexually transmitted infections can call 608-265-5600 or make an appointment through MyUHS.

Stay with friends and be skeptical of strangers: Avoid walking alone at night and know where your friends are; be aware of your surroundings; and remember that there is a difference between making new friends and being alone with a stranger.

If you’re leaving Madison: Make sure your residence is secure: lock your doors and windows and secure valuable items such as laptops, bikes, and scooters. Let your friends and relatives know where you will be and when you expect to return; call friends or family members to let them know that you have arrived and returned safely.

If you’re traveling outside of the U.S.: Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) here; respect the people, culture, and laws of the country in which you’re a guest; learn about any recommended health precautions here.

Depending on your destination, you may have to reach difficult decisions to change or even cancel plans to ensure your own well-being and timely return to Madison.

In many countries, there may be new entry and exit control measures, and even quarantines implemented with very little notice during the coming weeks. These actions could severely impact your plans and/or delay your return home with personal cost.

Because this situation is likely to continue to rapidly change in the weeks ahead, we highly encourage you to check both U.S. Department of State and Centers for Disease Control websites to find updated guidance for your destination as well as for those countries you may plan to transit.

For more information, read Chancellor Blank’s message.

Other reminders:

• Check out Travel Clinic page and determine which kind of travel appointment you need.
• Schedule your appointment on MyUHS at least one to two months in advance of your departure date, as some vaccinations take a month to develop immunity.
• Some travel services and vaccines have a fee. Check with your insurance  provider to determine if travel vaccinations are covered and the most appropriate place to obtain these.