Key points about mumps vaccination
- mumps is caused by a virus
- it is very easy to catch
- vaccination is the only way to prevent mumps
Preventing mumps
Vaccination is the only way to prevent mumps.
Vaccinating your child on time is the only way to prevent mumps.
Combined measles, mumps, rubella (MMR) vaccination is the only vaccine available to prevent mumps in New Zealand. No mumps-only vaccine is available in New Zealand.
If you're unsure about whether your child has had MMR vaccination, or you can't find your records, you can check with your Well Child Tamariki Ora provider or Well Child book, or contact your health professional.
If you're still not sure, your child can have their the MMR vaccine anyway. It's safe to get 2 doses again.
How effective is vaccination against mumps?
You need 2 doses of MMR. 2 doses protects up to 90 in 100 people from mumps.
Usually, tamariki (children) have the first dose of MMR at 12 months because MMR vaccination does not work as well in infants under 12 months.
A small number of people who have had MMR vaccination will still catch mumps. But, they're less likely to get serious complications from the illness.
Who should have MMR vaccination?
Babies and children
Tamariki usually have 2 doses of MMR - a first dose at 12 months of age and a second dose at 15 months of age.
Pēpi (babies) and tamariki who have not had their MMR vaccination are at greatest risk of the disease. Pēpi aged 6 to 11 months can have their MMR vaccination early if there is a high risk of exposure to mumps (for example, during outbreaks). These pēpi will still need MMR at 12 and 15 months because MMR vaccination tends not to work as well in young pēpi.
Adults
Adults who lack evidence of immunity to mumps should also have MMR vaccination.
People with egg allergy
People with an allergy to egg CAN have MMR vaccination.
Who should not have MMR vaccination?
The following people should not have MMR vaccination:
- pregnant women
- anyone who has an illness, or is taking medicines, which affect their immune system
- pēpi under 12 months of age (except during a mumps outbreak)
- anyone who has experienced a severe allergic reaction (anaphylaxis) to a previous dose of MMR
- anyone who has received another live vaccine, including chickenpox or BCG, within the previous month
Delay MMR if your child has a sudden severe illness with high fever (over 38 degrees Celsius). The presence of a minor infection is not a reason to delay vaccination.
If you find out you are pregnant after having MMR vaccination, talk to your health professional. But, research has found no injury to the unborn child when women have had MMR vaccination without realising they were pregnant.
Who should seek more advice before having MMR?
- anyone who has received human immunoglobulin or other blood product within the previous 11 months
- anyone who is HIV-positive
- anyone who is unsure if they have an immune deficiency or taking medication to suppress their immune system
- anyone who developed low platelets (idiopathic thrombocytopenia or ITP) after a previous dose of MMR
MMR safety
The risk of MMR causing serious harm is extremely rare. MMR is considerably safer than getting mumps.
Mumps Complications Vs Side Effects Of MMR Vaccination
Can MMR cause autism?
No.
Extensive research shows there is no evidence that MMR causes autism.
Does MMR contain thiomersal (or mercury)?
No.
