With the reporting of some cases of mumps close-by recently,
we have been receiving inquiries about the need for an extra dose of the
vaccine as well as other questions about how people should protect themselves.
Mumps is a viral illness which causes symptoms including
low-grade fever, headache, body aches, swelling and inflammation of the parotid
glands (salivary glands located close to the ears) and orchitis (inflammation
of the testicles). The virus is spread from person to person through
respiratory secretions and saliva. A vaccine for mumps was first introduced in 1967 and now children are routinely vaccinated against mumps with a dose of the vaccine at 12-15 months and a second dose at 4-6 years. With this approach, the incidence of mumps has decreased by 99% as compared to the pre-vaccine era.
Over time, the immunity acquired from the vaccine decreases. Folks who were immunized years ago still have a lower chance of getting mumps and tend to get less severe symptoms if they do become infected. But the more time has elapsed since one was immunized, the more susceptible they are to acquiring the disease, if exposed.
During outbreaks, giving a third dose of the MMR (measles, mumps, rubella) vaccine to potentially exposed and susceptible individuals has been shown to decrease the number of persons who become infected. This is currently being advised for most students at James Madison University due to the number of cases that have been seen there recently. A third dose is not recommended routinely for people who are not part of an institution or community where there is an outbreak.
If you have questions or are not sure if you should be getting a third dose of the vaccine, contact your healthcare provider.
