Measles : Free vaccination on campus !
Measles, a highly contagious disease, has been a regular concern on our campus in recent years, causing significant disturbances to studies and social life. This virus, which is capable of spreading five to six times faster than seasonal flu, finds study areas an ideal breeding ground for its spread. An infected person needs only to cough or sneeze to potentially expose all the people in the same room, even before the first symptoms appear.
What are the symptoms?
Measles starts with a simple cold, followed by a cough and then pink eye. After several days, a fever appears and red spots show up on your face and then spread to the rest of your body. Measles is highly contagious, so if you think you’re showing symptoms and are not immune to it, be sure to call your doctor or the medical center you’re going to and tell them that you’re coming for a consultation.
Measles is a serious disease, particularly when it strikes young adults, and preventive measures are thus of primary importance. If a case of measles appears on our campus, the Public Health Department of Canton de Vaud can require that anyone exposed to the virus who has not been vaccinated be quarantined – away from campus – for up to 21 days.
How can I protect myself?
However, it is important to note that people who have already contracted measles or who have received two doses of the vaccine are considered to be immune.
With this in mind, the Security, safety and facilities operations domain (DSE) would like to remind you to take certain precautions as soon as possible :
• Please check that you have been vaccinated against measles (online self-assessment).
• If necessary, get vaccinated by your doctor before returning to campus.
Vaccination gratuite
We pay particular attention to measles prevention, with free vaccination on the EPFL campus (book an appointment online). This measure is an integral part of our public health strategy, aimed at protecting our community and limiting the spread of the virus. We invite everyone to get vaccinated to ensure their own safety and that of others, contributing to the fight against measles.
FAQ
Measles is an extremely contagious infection that typically starts with symptoms akin to those of a cold, accompanied by cough and conjunctivitis. Following a few days, a high fever sets in, and red skin rashes first emerge on the face before spreading to the entire body. While most patients recover within five to ten days, measles can occasionally lead to severe complications, result in permanent disabilities, and in rare instances, prove fatal.
Measles can occur at any age and sometimes lead to serious complications. Two doses of the MMR vaccine provide lifelong protection against complications caused by measles, mumps, and rubella.
Anyone who has not had measles and is not (fully) vaccinated is at risk of catching the disease. It is very rare for vaccinated individuals to get sick, but since the vaccine is not 100% effective, this situation cannot be entirely ruled out.
The Federal Office of Public Health recommends vaccination against measles in combination with mumps and rubella (MMR vaccine). The reason for vaccinating against the three diseases—measles, mumps, rubella—is to prevent the sometimes severe complications these diseases can cause. Regarding the vaccination schedule, two doses are advised according to the standard basic plan: the first at the age of nine months and the second at the age of twelve months. Catch-up vaccination is possible at any age and recommended for anyone not immunized, with two doses at a one-month interval. Individuals born before 1964 or those who have received two documented doses of the measles vaccine, or whose recovery from measles has been documented by a doctor, are considered immunized.
Are you protected? Or should you get vaccinated? The online immunity status test allows you, with just a few clicks and in a matter of minutes, to accurately assess your personal risk of infection.
If you are pregnant and considering vaccination against measles, it is necessary to consult your gynecologist. Vaccination is contraindicated during pregnancy, and your doctor will be best placed to advise you on the steps to follow for your health and that of your unborn child.
Women considering pregnancy should plan for it to occur at least one month after being vaccinated against measles. It is also advisable to consult your gynecologist before vaccination to obtain personalized advice tailored to your situation. This waiting period is recommended to ensure the safety and well-being of both the mother and the unborn child.
Yes, individuals without formal documentation of prior vaccination or past measles infection are fully eligible for vaccination on campus. It’s important to note that receiving additional doses of the vaccine is not harmful and is not contraindicated, even if a vaccination schedule may have been followed in the past.
Yes, it is essential to book an appointment online to receive the measles vaccine at the Campus Health Point.
For detailed and updated information regarding measles, including prevention advice, guidelines, and recent statistics, it is recommended to visit the official website of the Federal Office of Public Health (FOPH).