Are you spending spring break in Florida? Looking forward to a week away from the worries of study? Well, you may have to worry about the measles.

Cases of measles have been reported in California, Texas and Florida -- prime spots for spring vacationers.

"Any student who intends to travel during spring break should take the precaution of checking their immunization status either by calling their parents or home physician," said Susan Kennedy, associate director for health promotion and education at Ritenour Health Center.

Students who have not had a booster shot should call Ritenour if they are planning to receive the shot, said Pat Irwin, acting primary care coordinator. If the health center receives enough calls they will administer the measles vaccination shots next week, Irwin said.

The shots will be given at a clinic set up at the health center, but separate from the outpatient treatment facility, Irwin said.

"(Physicians) are recommending students get their booster shots in high school now," Irwin said.

Because the recommendation is new, college-aged students have probably not heard they need the booster shot, Irwin said.

Because the vaccination is ineffective if administered before a child is at least 12 months old, students who received the original measles shot before that age will need to get two shots, Irwin added.

The booster shot may be expensive, Ritenour physician Floyd Naugle said. "There is only one supplier of the vaccine," he said.

Companies producing the measles vaccine have decreased due to an increase in liability costs, Naugle added.

Ritenour employees said the time it takes to get the booster shot will depend on the number of students who need the shot.

Further information about the shots can be obtained by calling Ritenour at 865-6556.