The physical and emotional health, safety, and well-being of the campus community are Elon University’s highest priorities. This page provides current health information and timely alerts of importance to our community.

Measles Cases & Vaccination Update

Measles cases are rising across the United States, particularly in areas with low vaccination rates. Measles is highly contagious. It spreads through the air and remains active on surfaces and shared airspace for up to two hours after the infectious person has left. The illness can lead to serious health complications.

As of August 12, 2025, there are no reported cases of measles on campus or in local communities. More than 98% of Elon students have received the recommended two doses of the MMR (measles, mumps, rubella) vaccine.

Why It Matters

Higher education students, faculty and staff are explicitly considered high-risk for measles in the CDC’s Routine MMR Vaccination Recommendations. They are advised to have two documented doses of the MMR vaccine unless they possess other accepted evidence of immunity (CDC, Routine MMR Vaccination Recommendations).

  • Highly contagious: Airborne spread, survives on surfaces up to 2 hours.
  • Symptoms: High fever, cough, runny nose, distinctive rash that starts on the face, spreads downward to the trunk, then arms and legs.
  • Vaccination remains the most effective protection. One dose of MMR vaccine is 93% effective in preventing measles, two doses of MMR vaccine is 97% effective.
  • Important for travelers: Check your immunization status—especially before traveling domestically or abroad.

Who May Need a Booster

  • Individuals with only one MMR dose received
  • Anyone vaccinated before 1968 with an inactivated vaccine
  • International travelers or healthcare workers

What You Can Do

Check your vaccination records and speak with a healthcare provider if you’re unsure about booster needs. Get vaccinated via:

  • Student Health Services or Faculty/Staff Health and Wellness Clinic or your healthcare provider
  • Local pharmacies
  • Alamance County Health Department

On-campus Points of Contact

  • Students: Elon Student Health Services — 336‑278‑7230
  • Faculty & Staff: Faculty/Staff Health & Wellness Clinic — 336‑278‑5569 or wellness@elon.edu

Campus Response Plan if a Case Occurs

In partnership with the North Carolina Department of Health & Human Services and the Alamance County Health Department, Elon’s Infectious Disease Response Team has prepared a response plan. If a case is confirmed, the university will follow state/local public health guidance:

  • Isolation: Individuals with measles may be required to isolate for up to 8 days.
  • Quarantine: Individuals exposed but without proof of immunity may quarantine 21–28 days.
  • Symptom monitoring: All exposed individuals, regardless of vaccination, will be asked to monitor symptoms for 21 days.

Proof of immunity exemptions include:

  • Written evidence of MMR vaccination (doses per age/risk group)
  • Lab-confirmed immunity
  • Birth before 1957
  • Prior lab-confirmed measles infection

Highlights of Campus Measles Response Plans

  • Ongoing communication and guidance for the university community
  • Isolation/quarantine housing and daily care support for students in residence halls
  • Notification and vaccine access for individuals missing the two-dose requirement
  • MMR and titer testing available through Student Health or Faculty/Staff Health & Wellness Clinic
  • Staff training in symptom detection and reporting
  • Assistance locating immunization records
  • Academic and work continuity planning for impacted individuals
  • Rapid-response MMR vaccination clinics as needed
  • Coordination with public health authorities to adapt and update guidance as conditions evolve

How to Check Your Immunization Status

  • Students: Most have already submitted proof of immunity. Records are on file with the university and can be shared with public health authorities, exempting individuals from quarantine in case of exposure. Exemptions (medical or religious) require quarantine unless documentation is provided. Students without documented MMR status will receive more information in direct communication.
  • Faculty & Staff: The university does not retain immunization records for employees. If exposed and without proof of immunity, individuals may need to quarantine until documentation is provided. Options include:
    • Contacting your healthcare provider or prior educational institutions for records.
    • Requesting a records check by Faculty/Staff Health and Wellness. Staff will review EPIC/NC Immunization Registry for any existing documentation.
    • Elon alumni may request archived records via email to deanofstudenthealth@elon.edu; include your full name, attendance years, and date of birth (allow 10 business days for processing).
    • If records are unavailable, receiving an MMR is generally safe unless medically contraindicated. Book through the Faculty/Staff Clinic at (336) 278-5569 or use EasyVax to find pharmacies. EasyVax is an easy to use tool to locate a convenient MMR vaccine.
    • Measles titer testing is available through Faculty/Staff Health and Wellness Clinic, healthcare providers, labs, or CVS MinuteClinic.
    • Individuals born before 1957 are presumed immune unless symptomatic.

Stay Informed

This page will be updated with any new guidance or developments. For further information on measles outbreaks and vaccine recommendations, visit the CDC Measles Outbreaks and MMR Vaccine: Who Needs It resources.