'The Risk Is Real': Health Center Encourages Up-to-Date Vaccines

As measles and whooping cough cases climb nationwide, campus health leaders are encouraging students to take a simple but powerful step to protect themselves — and each other — by making sure their vaccinations are up to date. 

Huda Sharaf, M.D., medical director at Pat Walker Health Center, said that while there have been no recent cases reported on campus, the risk is real. 

"We don't live in a bubble," Sharaf said. "Our campus community routinely travels both domestically and internationally, so exposure is always possible outside of our campus walls." 

Measles was declared eliminated in the United States in 2000, but outbreaks have re-emerged in recent years. In 2025, more than 2,000 cases were reported nationwide, the highest number since 1992. 

Measles is the most contagious infectious disease known. One infected person can spread the virus to up to 18 susceptible individuals. The virus spreads through the air when someone coughs or sneezes and can remain airborne for up to two hours after an infected person leaves a room.

"You can get measles simply by being in a space where an infected person has been," Sharaf said. 

Symptoms can become severe, leading to complications like pneumonia, encephalitis (brain swelling), hospitalization and even death.

Prevention by way of vaccination is highly effective. Two doses the measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccine are about 97% effective at preventing measles. The U of A's Immunization Policy for Measles, Mumps and Rubella requires all incoming students born after 1956 and who will be attending classes on campus to show proof of two MMR vaccinations, immunity or a medical or other lawful exemption. 

Pertussis — more commonly known as whooping cough — is also increasing across the country, Sharaf said.

"Whooping cough can be very disruptive even to a 'healthy' person," Sharaf said. "Symptoms can last up to 10 weeks and disrupt sleep, class and work attendance."

Pertussis infection can result in serious complications, including pneumonia and hospitalizations. The severity of the coughing spells can be extreme, occasionally leading to rib fractures. The illness can be life-threatening for infants, older adults and people with weakened immune systems or chronic lung conditions like asthma.

For whooping cough, early treatment with antibiotics is important, ideally before severe coughing begins. However, vaccination remains the best line of defense.

"Vaccines are one of the most effective tools we have to prevent serious disease," Sharaf said. "Protecting yourself helps protect our entire campus community."

While the university doesn't have a policy requiring students to receive the tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis (Tdap) vaccine, Sharaf recommends the vaccine be repeated every five to 10 years.

Becoming vaccinated is more than just protecting yourself, she added. It's about protecting vulnerable members of the community.

"Some people are simply not able to receive vaccines due to medical reasons and are therefore susceptible to these infections," she said. "In achieving herd immunity, we can not only protect ourselves but each other."

Students can get either vaccination by visiting the Allergy, Immunization & Travel (AIT) Clinic at Pat Walker Health Center. To schedule an appointment with the AIT Clinic, call 479-575-7723 or visit the patient portal at myhealth.uark.edu.

About Medical Services at Pat Walker Health Center: Medical Services supports the University of Arkansas community by providing efficient and convenient access to medical, mental health, substance abuse and support services. The care team is committed to improving and maintaining the overall well-being of the university's students, faculty and staff by creating an inclusive environment promoting positive behavior and lifestyle changes. Medical Services is a department of the Division of Student Affairs. To learn more, visit health.uark.edu/medical-health.

About the Division of Student Affairs: The Division of Student Affairs supports the whole student by cultivating transformative experiences and environments that promote student well-being, sense of community, and success. We prioritize student access, well-being, and belonging, post-graduation success, and building a strong organizational culture.