Health Alert - Student Health Center
Multi-state Mumps Outbreak
The mid-west USA has been experiencing a large outbreak of mumps that began in December 2005. The first reported cases were among college students and the majority of cases have been in the 18-25 year old age group.
The Center for Disease Control, the American College Health Association, and Alameda County Health Department are requesting that we notify our students about this health risk. They are recommending that all parents and/or students review the student’s immunization history and make sure that the student has had 2 doses of the MMR (Measles, Mumps and Rubella) vaccine. Most students who were born in the USA after 1975 should have had this vaccine at about one year of age and again at 5 years of age. Those students in the public school system in California are required to show proof of this vaccine before attending school. In addition, students who have attended 4-year colleges usually have to show documentation of this immunization or proof of immunity to mumps before attending classes. For those people born before 1957 most will have immunity due to having had the disease.
The Ohlone College Student Health Center is requesting that you review your immunizations and make sure you have had 2 doses of MMR. If you cannot find your immunization record check with your pediatrician’s office or your primary care provider. If you cannot document your immunizations, a simple blood test can be done to see if you have immunity. You may do this through your own physician or through the student health center for a minimal charge.
The Ohlone Student Health Center is not currently requiring that you provide documentation of immunization. However, it would be helpful for us to have in the future in case we need to adopt a policy that documentation must be provided before you attend classes. This could expedite your registration process. We will then be able to provide documentation for you when or if you transfer to a 4-year school.
A copy of your immunization card, documentation from your health care provider or a lab result showing that you have immunity to mumps is sufficient for proof of immunity. You may do one of the following:
- Drop your documentation off at the Student Health Center in Bldg. 16
- Fax to the Student Health Center at (510) 659-6218
- Mail to the Ohlone Student Health Center at 43600 Mission Blvd. #16, Fremont, CA 94539
This information is also on the Ohlone College Web site and the Student Health Center Web Site with links to the CDC information. http://www.cdc.gov/nip/diseases/mumps/default.htm.
If you have, any further questions please feel free to stop by the Health Center in Building 16 or call (510) 659-6258 Monday through Thursday from 9:00am to 2:00pm and 4:00pm to 6:00pm.
Sally I. Bratton, RN, FNP, PA-C
Director of Student Health
Ohlone College Student Health Center
Date: June 22, 2006
