Introduction

The best way to protect against mumps is to get the vaccine against measles, mumps and rubella (MMR). Children can get the measles, mumps, rubella and chickenpox (MMRV) vaccine, which also protects against chickenpox. Or they can get the chickenpox vaccine separately.

Most people vaccinated with MMR & MMRV will be protected for life. Vaccines and high vaccination rates have made these diseases much less common in the United States.

Available vaccines

There are two vaccines that protect against measles, mumps and rubella. Both MMR and MMRV vaccines can be given at the same time as other vaccines.

MMR

• Contains a combination of measles, mumps and rubella vaccines.
• Two MMR vaccines are available for use in the United States: MMR II and PRIORIX. Both are equally recommended and considered interchangeable.

MMRV

• Contains a combination of measles, mumps, rubella and varicella vaccines.
• This vaccine is only approved for use in children aged 12 months to 12 years.

Recommendations

Both MMR and MMRV vaccines can be given at the same time as other vaccines. Your healthcare provider can give you more information about each and which one you should get.

MMR

Children need 2 doses of MMR vaccines:

Older children, teenagers& adults– Also need 1 or 2 doses of MMR vaccine if they do not have proof of immunity. The doses must be separated by at least 28 days.

Anyone traveling internationally– Must be fully vaccinated before you travel. Infants aged 6-11 months should receive 1 dose of the MMR vaccine before travel. Then they must get 2 more doses after their first birthday.

People at increased risk for mumps during a mumps outbreak – An extra dose of MMR may be needed. The public health authorities will notify you if you are at increased risk and should receive this extra dose. If you already have 2 doses of MFR, it is not necessary to seek vaccination; unless the authorities tell you that you are part of this group.

MMRV

Children At the age of 12 months up to and including 12 years, 2 doses of MMRV vaccine can be given. Each dose is usually given by:

After exposure to measles, mumps or rubella

If you do not have immunity to these diseases and are exposed to them, talk to your doctor about getting the MMR vaccine. It is not harmful to get the MMR vaccine after being exposed to measles, mumps or rubella. It may prevent later illness.

If you get the MMR vaccine within 72 hours of your first exposure to measles, you may get some protection; or have a mild illness. In other cases, you may be given a medicine called immunoglobulin (IG) within 6 days of being exposed to measles. This provides some protection against the disease or the disease is milder.

Unlike measles, MMR has not been shown to be effective in preventing mumps or rubella in people who are already infected.

Why it is important to be vaccinated

The MMR vaccine protects your child against measles, mumps and rubella, potentially serious diseases caused by viruses. Almost everyone who has not received the MMR vaccine will become ill if exposed to these viruses. The vaccine prevents your child from missing school or childcare; and you from losing work to look after your sick child. Vaccination also limits the size, duration and spread of outbreaks.

For mumps: MMR vaccine protects your child from getting fever and swollen glands under the ears or jaw mumps.

For measles: MMR vaccine protects your child from getting an unpleasant rash and high fever measles.

For rubella: MMR vaccine prevents your child from getting a rash and fever red dogs. The vaccine also prevents your child from spreading rubella to a pregnant woman; whose unborn child could develop serious birth defects or die if the mother gets rubella.

Who should be vaccinated?

MMR vaccination is important for children as well as adults who do not have proof of immunity. These include:

• Students at post-secondary educational institutions
• Healthcare personnel
• International travelers
• Women of childbearing age before becoming pregnant
• Groups at increased risk of mumps due to an outbreak of mumps

Who should not be vaccinated

Some people should not get the MMR vaccine, or they should wait. People should check with their healthcare provider if they:

• Have had an allergic reaction to a previous dose of MMR or MMRV vaccine, or have any serious, life-threatening allergy.
• Are or may be pregnant. Wait to get the MMR vaccine until you are no longer pregnant. Avoid getting pregnant for at least 1 month after receiving the MMR vaccine.
• Have a weakened immune system due to illness or medical treatments; or have a family member with a history of immune system problems.
• Have ever had a condition that makes them bruise or bleed easily.
• Have recently had a blood transfusion or received other blood products. You may be advised to delay MMR vaccination for 3 months or more.
• Has tuberculosis.
• Have received other vaccines within the last 4 weeks.
• Feeling unwell or seriously ill. Your doctor can advise you.

In addition, people should wait to get the MMRV vaccine and tell their provider if they:

• Have a history of seizures, or have a parent, brother or sister with a history of seizures.
• Taking or planning to take salicylates (such as aspirin).

The vaccine is safe and effective

MMR vaccine is very safe and is effective in preventing measles, mumps and rubella. Vaccines, like all other medicines, can have side effects. These are usually mild and go away on their own.

There is no connection between the MMR vaccine and autism. Researchers in the United States and other countries have carefully studied the MMR vaccine. No one has found a connection between autism and the MMR vaccine.

It is safe for breastfeeding women to receive MMR vaccination. Breastfeeding does not interfere with the response to MMR vaccine; and the baby will not be affected by the vaccine through breast milk.

While MMR provides effective protection against mumps for most people, immunity to mumps can wane over time for some people. They may no longer be protected against mumps later in life.

Some vaccinated people can still get measles, mumps or rubella if they are exposed to the viruses. It could be that their immune systems did not respond as well as they should to the vaccine; their immune system’s ability to fight the infection declined over time; or they have prolonged, close contact with someone who has a virus. However, disease symptoms are generally milder in vaccinated individuals. They are also less likely to spread the disease to other people.

Possible side effects

Most people don’t have any side effects from the vaccine. The side effects that occur are usually mild and may include:

• Soreness, redness or swelling where the vaccine was given
• Fever
• Mild rash
• Temporary pain and stiffness in the joints

More serious side effects are rare. These can include a high fever that can cause a seizure.

Find and pay for the vaccine

Your or your child’s doctor’s office is usually the best place to receive recommended vaccines. Vaccines may also be available at pharmacies, workplaces, community health clinics, health departments, or schools or religious centers.

Vaccine costs

There are a few ways to cover the cost of vaccines:

Health insurance

Most health insurance plans cover the cost of vaccines. However, it may be a good idea to check with your insurance provider before going to a healthcare provider. Look for cost information and for a list of in-network vaccine providers.

Program for vaccines for children

Your children may be able to get free vaccines through Vaccines for Children (VFC) Program. This program helps families with eligible children who may not be able to afford or access vaccines.

Common questions