Students can get the varicella vaccine, or chickenpox vaccine, starting today at the health center.

Over the weekend, TCU announced a case of the contagious virus had been diagnosed within the campus community.

“The university has confirmed a case of chickenpox, and we are working closely with Tarrant County Public Health,” a TCU spokesperson said.

“We will continue to monitor the situation and keep students, faculty and staff informed during this time,” they said.

Varicella causes an itchy rash that spreads on the entire body, according to the CDC. It lasts around 4-7 days.

If someone is infected, 90% of those around them who are not immune get the virus, too. A person with chickenpox is contagious two days before a rash appears and until the rash is gone.

Texas requires public school students to receive two doses of the varicella vaccine. But if a child has already been affected or is immune, they are exempt from the vaccine. Requirements vary by state.

TCU does not require a varicella vaccine for enrolled students.

However, the health center recommends students follow the CDC immunization schedule for children or adults.

The health center offered free MMR vaccines for students during a mumps outbreak on campus in 2018. The health center also recorded a few suspected cases of chickenpox in 2014 and 2015.

Vaccinated people are less likely to get chickenpox. If a vaccinated person does get the virus, they generally have fewer or no lesions and a milder or no fever.

The health center recommended that students “maintain good hygiene,” “practice social distancing” and “stay home if unwell.”

Torgerson said students who think they might have the virus should call the student health center.