Mumps is a contagious disease caused by a virus that affects the salivary glands. Common symptoms include fever, fatigue, loss of appetite and headache. Mumps is best known for causing puffy cheeks and a tender, swollen jaw. Mumps is usually mild but it can lead to more severe complications.
Why does my child need protection against mumps?
In rare cases, mumps can cause severe complications or even be deadly. Complications can include orchitis (inflammation of the testicles), oophoritis (inflammation of the ovaries), mastitis (breast tissue inflammation), pancreatitis (pancreas), encephalitis (inflammation of the brain) or meningitis (inflammation of tissues covering the brain and spinal cord) and temporary or permanent loss of hearing. Before a vaccine was available in the U.S., mumps was the leading cause of meningitis and permanent hearing loss in childhood.
Which vaccines protect against mumps?
The MMR (measles, mumps and rubella) and MMRV (measles, mumps, rubella and varicella (chickenpox) vaccines protect against mumps, as well as measles and rubella. Children need two doses of mumps-containing vaccines at 12-15 months and 4-6 years of age.
Are they safe?
The MMR and MMRV vaccines are safe – hundreds of millions of doses have been given over the past 50 years. Side effects of the vaccines occur infrequently, but can include fever, soreness at the injection site and rash. If your child has a weakened immune system, you should talk to your child’s doctor prior to vaccinating. The MMR vaccine does not cause autism.
Are they effective?
Yes, the vaccine is effective. Since the U.S. mumps vaccination program started in 1967, there has been a more than 99% decrease in mumps cases in the U.S. However, mumps outbreaks still occur, particularly in settings where people have close, prolonged contact, such as schools, college campuses and correctional facilities. Two doses of mumps vaccine are about 86% effective at preventing mumps if exposed to the virus. Some vaccinated people may still get mumps if they are exposed to the virus; however, their symptoms are milder and complications are less frequent.