University Continues Measles Watch

Starting in the fall of 1986, Harvard freshmen must show proof of immunization against measles to enroll in the College.

The Massachusetts state regulation, signed by Governor Michael S. Dukakis on May 30, specifically requires that students entering institutes of higher education in the state show proof of immunity against measles and other vaccine-preventable diseases such as tetanus and diphtheria, said Dr. Warren E. C. Wacker, Director of the University Health Services (UHS).

The legislation will apply to incoming freshmen in 1986 and to all graduate and undergraduate students in the Commonwealth after 1990, he added.

Students entering Harvard after 1986 "must show proof of vaccination, or we will vaccinate them," said Wacker. Although measles vaccines were first given in 1962, they were highly ineffective, and those who received the early vaccines may now be susceptible to the disease. A far more effective vaccine was developed in 1965, but children receiving this second version before their first birthday may also be susceptible.

As a result, many college-age students may run a risk of catching measles, Wacker said, adding that all students should check family records to determine if they are immune.

Those not susceptible to measles have either had a clinical case of the disease or received the vaccination since 1968 and since their first birthday.

Wacker added, however, that "for reasons unknown to the world's greatest epidemiologists," measles epidemics rarely occur in the summer. He said that they have been unable to trace the source of the measles of the one student who has contracted the illness.

Vaccinations are available at UHS in Holyoke Center Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., on a walk-in basis. Because repeat vaccinations are not hazardous, those who do not know whether they are immune are safe in taking this precaution. There are no known side effects from the vaccine