SF State students who have not shown proof of immunization for measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) may have an immunization hold on their record and not even know it.

Upon attending SF State, students have one semester to show proof. For those who have not an immunization hold will be placed on their record and will be unable to register for classes for the Fall 2004 semester. But this semester notices sent to students regarding proof of immunization has changed. Notifications have been sent to students' SF State e-mail accounts. However some students do not have an account or even if they do they check it rarely.

"It is different this semester. The notifications have been sent to SFSU e-mail accounts instead of a letter" Kamal Harb, Student Heath Service Center (SHS) health educator said. "All these people that have to fulfill this requirement are not checking their SFSU e-mail account or they don't have one."

All SF State students born after January 1, 1957 are required to show proof of immunization for measles, mumps and rubella (MMR). Also students who are 18 years old or younger must show proof of Hepatitis B vaccination.

To accommodate this need, SHS has provided special hours this month until May 27 for students to receive the MMR vaccination for $12. Because SHS will not be running with a full staff during the summer, this service will not be available.

In previous years more people have utilized this service. SHS Director Marie Schafle believes that because of the e-mail notifications only a few people are getting the vaccination.

"Hardly anybody has come now. Normally it is packed. Hundreds of people usually attend," Schafle said.

According to Schafle most people get the shot because they are unable to obtain documentation that they have received the MMR vaccination. Either students are unable or unwilling to contact their pediatricians or their parents for the records.

In California, the MMR vaccination is required to attend any school. As children, most U.S. students have already received the MMR vaccine. According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, children should get two doses of the MMR vaccine, the first between the 12 and 15 months and the second at 4 to 6 years old.

The SF State registrar's office will accept baby records, medical records, military documents and/or other school transcripts that indicate the vaccinations have been taken. Blood tests showing immunity to measles, rubella and Hepatitis B will also be accepted.

"As long as it's (MMR or Hepatitis B vaccinations) on there, we will take it," Gene Ferguson, registrar at the one-stop student services building said.

MMR is caused by a virus and is very infectious. The CDC states that is spread from person to person through the air. Measles, mumps and rubella can cause serious health problems, including brain damage, and meningitis.

"The MMR vaccine is so important because rubella causes birth defects and the child could be born deaf. And there are many women at child-bearing age on campus," Schafle said.

Students can receive the MMR or Hepatitis B vaccinations anywhere, but they are offered at discounted rates at SHS. For more information contact SHS at
338-1719 or visit its Web site.