The Hamilton Public Health Department has begun active surveillance for red measles after a McMaster University student tested positive for the highly contagious disease. Testing confirmed the diagnosis this weekend.

The Health Department and McMaster's Student Health Services are working together to run measles vaccination clinics starting Tuesday, March 20. Clinics are open to all students, staff and faculty.

Vaccination clinics will be held in Council Chamber, Gilmour Hall room 111:

Tuesday, March 20 11:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.

Wednesday, March 21 11:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.

Thursday, March 22 11:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.

The public health department says there are several groups of people who are considered to be immune to red measles and do not need the vaccination:

7 Anyone born before 1957

7 Anyone who has received at least one documented dose of vaccine for measles

7 Anyone who has been diagnosed with measles by a physician.

Anyone who is unsure about their immunization history is encouraged to attend one of the vaccination clinics.

Inquiries should be directed to the city's health connections phone line at 546-3550, or to McMaster's information line at 525-9140, ext. 21111.