Risk, Safety, & Resilience

Public Health Concerns

Below is information regarding current or emerging illnesses that are being monitored by Federal, state, local, and George Mason University public health officials and medical professionals.

Measles

You are protected against measles if any of these are true:

  • You got two doses of the MMR vaccine, and you are a K–12 student, a college student, a healthcare worker, or someone who travels out of the country.
  • You got one measles shot and you are a young child or an adult who doesn't work in healthcare and doesn't travel out of the country.
  • A doctor's test showed you had measles before, or that your body can effectively fight off measles.
  • You were born before 1957.

You must have a written record to prove any of the above.

Even if you are vaccinated, it is important to know that, while highly effective and the best way to protect yourself from measles, the MMR vaccine is not 100% effective at preventing measles. If you are traveling internationally to a country with higher measles risk, or to an area in the U.S. where there is an active outbreak, your chances of exposure are higher, and vaccination alone may not fully protect you. In these situations, consider wearing a mask in crowded public spaces and practice good hygiene, such as washing your hands frequently and avoiding touching your face.

The MMR vaccine is the best way to protect against measles. MMR vaccine protects against three diseases: measles, mumps, and rubella. Most people who are vaccinated will be protected for life.

How many doses do you need?

  • Children get their first dose between 12–15 months old, and their second dose between 4–6 years old.
  • Older children, teens, and adults who don't have proof of immunity may need one or two doses, given at least 28 days apart.
  • Anyone traveling internationally should be fully vaccinated before their trip.

Is it safe?

Yes. The MMR vaccine is safe and effective. Side effects are usually mild, like soreness at the injection site, a low fever, or a mild rash, and go away on their own.

Not sure if you've been vaccinated?

You can contact your state health department to request your vaccination records. Request your records from the Virginia Department of Health here.

General Measles information and Case Reports
Virginia Department of Health (VDH)
Measles Cases and Outbreaks
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
Request Immunization Records
For other states and jurisdictions, Google "[state name] immunization records" and you should be able to find your state's health department and access their immunization records services.

Seasonal Illnesses 

COVID-19 (coronavirus disease 2019) is a disease caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus which causes respiratory symptoms which may feel like a cold or sometimes like the flu or pneumonia.  For most people the illness is now mild, but it can become severe for some people at times.  Covid testing, antiviral treatment and vaccines are still available for treatment.  For more information about Covid, visit the CDC website About COVID-19 | COVID-19 | CDC or Coronavirus for statewide updates in Virginia. 

RSV is a common respiratory virus with cold like symptoms. RSV illnesses typically begin in the fall and peak during the winter.  Some individuals are eligible for a vaccine to protect against RSV infections depending on their risk factors and age.  For more information about RSV, visit the CDC website  https://www.cdc.gov/rsv/about or Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) – Epidemiology for statewide updates in Virginia. 

Other useful resources regarding updates on levels of seasonal illnesses in Virginia are available on the VDH website’s data tracker at Respiratory Disease Data – Epidemiology 

To prevent these and other airborne illnesses, practice the CDC’s Core Preventative Strategies: