U of I students urged to get MMR vaccination

Due to a mumps outbreak at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, the Lake County Health Department/Community Health Center is encouraging students who attend that university to receive a booster shot of the MMR (measles, mumps, rubella) vaccine as soon as possible, even if they have already received one or two previous MMR vaccinations.

The Health Department's Immunizations program is offering free MMR vaccines to students registered at the UIUC. The state-provided vaccine was made available due to the outbreak. For an appointment at the clinic, 2303 Dodge Ave. in Waukegan, call (847) 377-8470.

Evidence indicates that a third dose of MMR can be helpful in controlling mumps outbreaks in this setting. The McKinley Health Center at UIUC, the Champaign-Urbana Public Health District and the Illinois Department of Public Health are recommending a third dose of MMR vaccine for UIUC students. This is especially important for those planning on living in congregate settings such as dormitories or fraternity or sorority houses.

The MMR vaccine may take up to two weeks to provide protection against mumps; therefore, if possible, this extra dose of MMR vaccine should be obtained prior to returning to campus. Classes start the third week of August.

In addition to the booster shot, it is important to practice good health habits to reduce the spread of disease, including washing your hands frequently with soap and water; not sharing eating utensils, drinking cups or cigarettes; cleaning frequently touched surfaces; and minimizing close contact with people when sick.

For more information, visit health.lakecountyil.gov/Population/Pages/Immunizations.aspx.