Inside Clemson

University officials, in partnership with DHEC, urge awareness to ensuring measles preparedness

Did you know a vaccination is your easiest path to providing immunity to measles, a highly contagious viral disease?

South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control (DHEC) officials are working with administrators from Clemson University to educate students, faculty and staff on how to take appropriate preventive measures related to health and wellness. DHEC recently shared reports of more than 1,100 cases of measles across 30 states so far in 2019. Ninety percent of those cases involved unvaccinated persons. While zero cases have yet to be confirmed in the state of South Carolina so far in 2019, DHEC has seen a global increase of more than 300 percent over the same time frame from 2018.

DHEC may require proof of immunity from individuals who have been exposed to someone with measles. This is a good time to verify with your medical care provider that you are immune and your vaccination records are up to date. Please take the time to read the university’s measles update for more information and frequently asked questions.

STUDENTS

All students enrolled at Clemson, with the exception of those enrolled in online courses only, are required to show proof of two MMR (measles-mumps-rubella) vaccines unless approved for an exemption (e.g. medical or religious reasons). The university’s average immunity level among students exceeded 99 percent in the most recent academic year.

Individuals who have not yet submitted proof of immunity may be subject to penalty. Immunization clinics and resources are available at Redfern Health Center on the main campus. Read more on our Student Health Services immunization home page.

FACULTY AND STAFF

 Faculty and staff are not currently required to show proof of immunity outside of a few, select departments. If measles were to appear on campus, potentially exposed employees unable to produce proof of immunity could be subject to quarantine by order of DHEC. Please note immunization clinics and resources are available for employees on the main campus through the Joseph F. Sullivan Center. If your department or building is interested in a mobile clinic, please contact the Sullivan Center. Individual appointments can be made by calling 864-656-3076.

Individuals who carry the state health plan as their primary insurance can receive an MMR vaccine, per recommendations from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, from network pharmacies and health care providers at no cost.

  • Receiving your MMR vaccine at a pharmacy:Check with your pharmacist to confirm that the pharmacy provides MMR vaccines. Your MMR vaccine and administration fee will be paid in full.
  • Receiving your MMR vaccine at a doctor’s office:If you receive the vaccine in a participating network doctor’s office, the MMR vaccine and administration fee will be paid in full; any associated office visit charges will be processed according to your regular plan coverage rules.