In light of the recent measles outbreak, Rice University has partnered with Albertsons/Randalls to offer a measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccination clinic for all members of the Rice community. This clinic will be held March 20 from 8 a.m.-12 p.m. in Room 112, Cambridge Office Building.
In order to sign up for a vaccination, note the following details:
- Registration is required. Secure an appointment by signing up here.
- Walk-ins will not be allowed. If anyone is unable to attend the vaccine clinic March 20, contact a primary care provider. Students may still contact Student Health Services to receive a vaccine or guidance.
- A printed consent form is required to receive the vaccine and can be completed before the appointment. Download the consent form here.
- Twelve slots are available every 15 minutes with the last appointment at 11:45 a.m.
- Due to the current high demand for the MMR vaccine in the state, this may be the only clinic offered on campus.
A measles outbreak is spreading in Texas with more than 200 cases reported mostly in rural West Texas. Houston and Harris County officials are developing a preparedness plan as cases continue to rise. Measles is highly contagious — even more infectious than COVID-19 — and can lead to serious complications, including hospitalization and potentially death.
Rice urges Owls to check their vaccination status and protect themselves, their families and the community.
The MMR vaccine is the best protection. One dose leads to 93% protection, and two doses leads to 97% protection. According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, people who receive two doses of the MMR vaccine and still contract measles are more likely to have a milder illness and are less likely to spread the disease to other people.
All full-time students (excluding online-only students) are required to have the MMR vaccine upon entry to Rice. If a student submitted a waiver, Rice urges they should consider getting vaccinated now.
It takes two weeks for the vaccine to combat the measles virus effectively.
Students may receive vaccinations through Student Health Services. Call 713-348-4966 to schedule an appointment.
Rice urges employees to check their vaccination records and have a conversation with their primary care physician. If the physician recommends one or two doses of MMR, employees may schedule an appointment with one of the Capital Rx network pharmacies including H-E-B, Randalls, CVS or Walgreens.
The CDC recommends that adults who do not have “presumptive evidence of immunity,” such as vaccination records, receive at least one dose of the MMR vaccine. Call the Houston Health Department at 832-393-5427 to learn more.
If someone experiences symptoms or was exposed to measles, stay home and isolate and contact a health care provider before visiting in person. Symptoms can appear 5-21 days after exposure, including fever, rash (flat red spots starting on the face and spreading downward) and flu-like symptoms.
For more information, please check the Texas Department of State Health Services website or the CDC website.