Update: Monitoring Measles

No reported cases or known identified risk to members of the Columbia community at this time. Students: read on for instructions on providing or downloading vaccination documentation.

By
Columbia Health
May 09, 2019

Columbia University continues to monitor the measles situation impacting parts of New York City, surrounding counties, and campuses across the United States. At this time there have been no reported measles cases at the University and there is no known identified risk to members of the community. 

As with all infectious disease concerns, the University engages in ongoing monitoring and shares updates as needed.

The University requires all students studying on campus to provide documentation of 2 doses of the Measles vaccine (commonly given as an MMR) or laboratory confirmation of immunity before being enrolled in classes.  We follow the guidance of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP), and the laws of the State of New York.   

Incoming students - If you have not yet provided copies of the vaccines or laboratory test results, please upload these documents directly to the Columbia Health Patient portal.

Graduating students - If you need copies of your vaccine history, you can print the information direct from the Columbia Health Patient Portal

Non-student members of the Columbia University community - If you have any concerns regarding your immunity status, please contact your primary care provider to discuss your vaccine history, risk, and determine if additional tests or vaccines are indicated. 

International travelers – because Measles is highly contagious and outbreaks have occurred in many countries, we encourage all travelers to be properly vaccinated or secure laboratory confirmation of immunity before initiating travel.

We invite you to learn more about Measles and how to protect yourself and your community via the following resources:

Go Ask Alice! – Measles

CDC Measles Information Page

CDC Measles FAQ

 

Be Well,

Columbia Health