IU offering free vaccinations after mumps outbreak

BLOOMINGTON, Ind. (WISH) – Officials at Indiana University say they will begin offering free vaccinations to students, faculty and staff.

IU reported two cases of mumps at their Bloomington campus on Feb. 10. Those cases were identified two weeks apart and there is no connection between the two cases.

Last week officials confirmed an additional four cases. One of the cases was reported at Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis. Officials say it’s possible that this number could increase due to the ease of transmission.

The Monroe County Health Department and the Indiana State Department of Health will offer free measles, mumps and rubella vaccinations for faculty, staff and students on Wednesday and Thursday in the Georgian Room at the Indiana Memorial Union.

The clinic will be open on Wednesday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and on Thursday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

The university said the vaccines will be given on a first-come first-serve basis and are recommended to those listed below:

• Students who have already received two MMR vaccinations and want a booster; students who are unsure of their vaccination status; or students who have never received the vaccine.
• Faculty and staff born after 1957 who have already received two MMR vaccinations and want a booster; who are unsure of their vaccination status; or have never received the vaccine.

Students with symptoms should stay home and immediately call before going to the IU Health Center at 812-855-5002 during office hours, or 812-330-3790 after hours.