Measles Awareness

What is measles? 

Measles is a highly contagious respiratory virus. Measles spreads through coughing and sneezing and can cause serious health complications. 

Signs and Symptoms

  • Cough
  • High fever
  • Runny nose
  • Red, watery eyes
  • 3-5 days after respiratory symptoms begin, a red, blotchy rash starts on the face, which then spreads to the rest of the body
  • Severe cases of measles can lead to serious health problems, such as hospitalization, pneumonia, encephalitis and immune amnesia

What should I do if I think I have measles?

Immediately contact your health care provider by phone and let them know about your symptoms so that they can tell you what to do next. Unless instructed to do so by the local Colorado Health Department or your physician, do not visit the emergency room or hospital unannounced because you may infect others.

CU Boulder students can contact Medical Services at 303-492-5101.

What’s the best way to protect myself? 

The measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccine provides the best protection against measles. This vaccine provides long-lasting (lifelong in most cases) protection against measles.  

Information for Students

Students are required to meet CU Boulder’s immunization requirements, including proof of two doses of the MMR vaccine.

How to verify your status:
  • Log in to your MyCUHealth portal to review submitted immunization records.
  • Most students submit MMR documentation upon enrollment.
  • The current MMR vaccination rate among CU Boulder students is greater than 95%.
If you’re unsure about your immunity:

If not immune, Medical Services can provide the MMR vaccine.

Students: Schedule an Appointment

MyCUHealth Portal 

Information for Faculty and Staff

Faculty and staff are encouraged to confirm their immunity to measles to help prevent outbreaks and protect the campus community.

How to tell if you're protected:

You are likely protected if any of the following apply:

  • You have received two doses of the MMR vaccine.
  • You have a documented positive blood test (titer) showing immunity.
  • You were born before 1957 (when measles was widespread and most people were exposed in childhood).
How to check your MMR status:
  • Colorado Immunization Information System (CIIS): Faculty and staff vaccinated in Colorado can check their records via CIIS.
  • Primary Care Provider: Contact your current or childhood provider for vaccination records.
  • Primary School or College Records: Many schools retain immunization documentation.
CU Employee Health:

You can reach out to the CU Boulder Medical Services to discuss options for verifying immunity or obtaining vaccination. If you are unsure of your vaccination status or cannot locate records, a simple blood test (titer) is available through your provider or Medical Services to determine immunity. If not immune, you should receive the MMR vaccine.

FAQs

You can reach out to your childhood physician’s office, visit state vaccine registries (access Colorado’s registry) or check with your primary school for records.  

If you do not have an immunization record or are unsure if you have received the MMR vaccine, Medical Services can perform a blood test to determine if you are vaccinated. Those with a valid vaccine record do not need to be tested. 

Please call your insurance company to verify if testing is covered. Even if testing is not covered by your insurance, out-of-pocket cost is minimal when done through Medical Services.

Routine vaccines, such as the MMR, are typically covered by insurance plans. To determine any out-of-pocket costs, please call your insurance company.