UW-Madison Requires Students to Disclose Vaccination Status

New policy follows recent measles case on campus

Published on Feb. 12, 2026

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The University of Wisconsin-Madison is now requiring students to disclose their vaccination status for several communicable diseases, including measles, mumps, rubella, tetanus, diphtheria, pertussis, varicella, meningococcal, and hepatitis B. This policy change comes after a student living off-campus was recently diagnosed with measles, prompting the university to reach out to as many as 4,000 potentially exposed students.

Why it matters

The new disclosure requirement aims to give public health officials a better understanding of student immunity levels on campus, allowing for faster and more targeted support in the event of a disease outbreak. While not a vaccination mandate, the policy states that unvaccinated students may face additional public health measures like quarantine or restricted access to campus facilities.

The details

Previously, UW-Madison students could choose whether or not to share their vaccination status. But the recent measles case has led the university to adjust the policy, making disclosure mandatory. Students have until mid-March to comply, and those who don't may face a registration hold. The policy is not a vaccination requirement, but unvaccinated students could be subject to additional measures like quarantine during an outbreak.

  • On February 2, news broke that a student living off-campus had been diagnosed with measles.
  • As many as 4,000 students who may have been in contact with the infected student were reached out to by the university.

The players

University of Wisconsin-Madison

The flagship campus of the University of Wisconsin System, located in Madison, Wisconsin.

The Daily Cardinal

The student-run newspaper at the University of Wisconsin-Madison that first reported on the new vaccination disclosure policy.

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What they’re saying

“'Access to immunization data gives public health officials a better understanding of our students' immunity and ensures faster, specific support for individual students who are at a higher risk when exposed to communicable diseases.'”

— University Spokesperson

What’s next

As of now, no school within the University of Wisconsin system has a vaccine requirement in place.

The takeaway

This new disclosure policy at UW-Madison highlights the ongoing challenges universities face in balancing public health concerns with individual student rights, as they work to protect campus communities from the spread of communicable diseases.