A clinic will provide free MMR vaccines this week at Indiana University  Bloomington, this time in the Union Street Center, Cedar Hall, Auditorium Room C006.

Like last week, the clinic is being held because of the increasing number – now 8 -- of confirmed cases of mumps at IU Bloomington. The clinics are offered in cooperation with the Monroe County Health Department and the Indiana State Department of Health. 

The clinic will operate from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. on Thursday. MMR vaccines will be given on a first-come first-served basis and are recommended for the following groups:

• Students who have received 2 or fewer MMR vaccinations or are unsure of the number
• Faculty and staff who have not received 2 MMR vaccinations or are unsure if they have

Anyone with symptoms will not be admitted to the vaccination clinic -- even if they have received the MMR vaccine for measles, mumps and rubella. Those with symptoms should stay home and immediately call before going to the IU Health Center at 812-855-5002 during office hours or 812-330-3790 after hours.

University ID cards will be required at the clinics. Waiting times may vary.

The best way to prevent mumps is to be vaccinated with at least two doses of the MMR vaccine. Those born before 1957 are considered to be immune to mumps due to the high rate of infection before that time. Some people who have been vaccinated may still contract mumps, because two doses of vaccine are considered around 80 percent effective.

To learn more, visit Protect IU for mumps information and view these fast facts. Family members can read more information about the university's health services for students at IU Bloomington.