Can mumps be prevented?
A mumps live virus vaccine given by injection has been available since 1967. Mumps can be prevented by receiving at least one dose of a mumps containing vaccine, preferably the combined measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine on or after the first birthday. This one dose is 95 percent effective at preventing disease. Mumps can also be prevented by avoidance of sharing drinking or eating utensils with others and by avoiding contact with soiled and contaminated tissues and similar articles of nose and throat secretions from infected individuals. Are there any side effects to the mumps vaccine? Mumps vaccine is one of the safest viral vaccines. Rarely rash, swollen salivary glands and fever have been reported. Persons with severe allergies to eggs and neomycin should only be vaccinated with caution in an appropriate medical setting. Persons with certain impaired immune system conditions should not be vaccinated without first consulting a physician. Pregnant women should not be vaccinate
Mumps is preventable by immunization. All children should be vaccinated to protect themselves and others from mumps. The mumps vaccine is part of the MMR (measles, mumps, rubella) vaccine series given to children beginning at 12 months of age. As is the case with all immunizations, there are important exceptions and special circumstances. Health-care providers should have the most current information on recommendations about the mumps vaccination. This fact sheet is for information only and is not meant to be used for self-diagnosis or as a substitute for consultation with a health-care provider. If you have any questions about the disease described above, consult a health-care provider.
Mumps vaccine, which is part of the MMR (Measles, Mumps & Rubella) vaccination that is regularly given to children, is the best way to prevent this disease. Another thing people can do to prevent mumps and other infections is to wash hands well and often with soap; teach children to wash their hands too. Forks, knives and spoons should not be shared, and surfaces that are frequently touched (toys, doorknobs, tables, counters, etc) should be regularly cleaned with either soap and water or with cleaning wipes. Back to the top.
