NEW PALTZ – The number
of confirmed or probable cases of mumps associated with SUNY since October
has risen to 63 and that has prompted the state Health Department, in
conjunction with the Ulster County Health Department and the college,
to hold a vaccination clinic for two days next week.
Shots will be administered at no charge from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Tuesday,
December and on Wednesday, December 14 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. in the Multipurpose
Room of the Student Union. Students will receive registration information
directly from the college.
The state Health Department is recommending that students receive a third
dose of the measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine, will provide it free
of charge to the college, and will assist with staffing and running the
clinic.
“There is increasing evidence that a third dose of the MMR vaccine
will help raise immunity among the students who have not yet been exposed,
and help prevent the further spread of mumps on the campus,” said
state Health Commissioner Dr. Howard Zucker. He also urged students to
wash their hands regularly, avoid contact with people who may be sick,
and immediately notify their healthcare provider if they suspect they
are sick. Zucker said students who are sick should stay home from classes
and social events.
