Health Alerts

Take steps to care for yourself and help protect the UTA community.

Measles

Due to the rise in cases in the State of Texas, it is important to stay informed with the most up to date information about measles. Measles is a highly contagious respiratory virus and spreads through coughing and sneezing. The virus can last in the air up to 2 hours. Most people infected with the virus recover but it can lead to medical complications like pneumonia, blindness, brain swelling and death.

The Texas Health Department data shows most cases are in people younger than 18, but anyone not vaccinated against measles is at risk. For the latest case numbers, click the link to visit the Texas Health and Human Services website: https://www.dshs.texas.gov/news-alerts.

How to protect yourself

While the threat of measles is currently low due to most school-aged children and adults being vaccinated, it important to know your vaccination status.

Children usually get two doses of measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccine starting with the first dose at 12-15 months of age and the second dose at 4-6 years of age.

College-aged students who have not been vaccinated should receive 2 doses of the MMR vaccine, at least 28 days apart.
-  The first dose provides 93% protection against MMR.
-  The second dose provides 97% protection against MMR.

What if I don’t know my vaccination status?

If you were born in 1957 or later and don’t have access to your vaccination records to confirm if you have received the MMR vaccine, you can schedule an appointment with UTA Health Services to perform a titer, a simple blood test to determine whether or not you are protected against the disease. Your healthcare provider may also recommend that you receive the MMR vaccine. UTA Health Services is currently reducing the cost of the MMR titer to $10 for self-pay students. It is covered 100% for students with UT SHIP coverage.

Where to get vaccinated:

-  UTA Health Services 817-272-2771
-  Tarrant County Public Health 817-248-6299
-  Texas Health and Human Services Adult Safety Net 1-800-252-9152
-  Local pharmacies and health clinics

DO NOT get the vaccine if you:   
-  Have a severe allergy to ingredients like neomycin.
-  Are pregnant or planning to get pregnant within two months of vaccination.
-  Are immunocompromised (receiving cancer treatments, organ transplants, HIV).   
-  Are born before 1957 (people In this age group are considered to have natural immunity).

 

What to Know for this Fall & Winter Virus Season - Protect Yourself and Others

Vaccination against flu and COVID-19 is a core strategy for lowering your risk of hospitalization, long-term health impacts, and death from these viruses. The CDC recommends the seasonal flu vaccine and the 2024-2025 COVID-19 vaccine for everyone ages 6 months and older. Vaccination is especially important for people who are at increased risk of severe disease, such as adults 65 years and older, people with certain health conditions, nursing homes residents, and pregnant people, and for people that live or work regularly with those with increased risk. The CDC also recommends that people that are immunocompromised or 65 years and older receive another dose of the 2024-2025 COVID-19 vaccine 6 months after receiving their first dose.

Eligible students (those enrolled in at least one on-campus class or that have paid the medical services fee through the UTA Marketplace) can get a free flu shot in the health center. Limited COVID-19 vaccines are available for $20. Please call 817-272-2771 to schedule an appointment.

The CDC's Respiratory Virus Guidance recommends that all people use core prevention strategies to help people lower risk from a range of common respiratory viral illnesses, including flu and COVID-19. The core prevention strategies include:

- Staying up to date with immunizations.
- Practicing good hygiene (proper handwashing, cover coughs and sneezes, clean frequently touched surfaces).
- Taking steps for cleaner air (fresh air, air filters, improve airflow).

When you have a respiratory virus:

- Use precautions to reduce the spread of illness, such as staying home and away from others.
- Seek health care for treatment if you have risk factors for severe illness.
- Free flu and COVID-19 testing is also available in the health center as well as $10 testing for strep throat.

Whether you need an immunization, testing, treatment or have another health concern, Health Services is here to support your academic success by providing excellent health care and promoting wellness. Call 817-272-2771 for questions or to schedule an appointment.