Why is there a mumps vaccine shortage?
MUMPSVAX is manufactured and distributed by Merck & Co., Inc, which is a global pharmaceutical company. Merck has the exclusive international rights to the Jeryl Lynn strain of the mumps virus used in M-M-R II vaccine and the MUMPSVAX monovalent (single) mumps vaccine. To ensure the accuracy of the information we received regarding the Merck’s decision to cease production of the single vaccines, we made enquiries and were sent a copy of a letter from Dr Mark Feinberg of Merck Vaccines and Infectious Diseases, which has been prepared to explain their decision. Because Merck holds the international rights to the Jeryl Lynn strain of the mumps virus, unless Merck changes its plans, these single mumps vaccines will not be available anywhere in the world. Individual measles and rubella vaccines are however readily available from other reputable manufacturers.
