Information about Mumps Immunization
1. What is mumps? * Mumps is an infection of the salivary glands that is caused by a virus. Symptoms may include fever, swollen/tender glands at the angle of the jaw, headache and muscle aches. * Most people recover from mumps, but it can be serious. Those who become very ill may have encephalitis (an infection of the brain), meningitis (a swelling of the covering of the brain), arthritis or deafness. * About one in three men may get painful, swollen testicles. Although very rare, these men may end up with infertility. * For more information about mumps disease, read the “Get the facts… mumps” information sheets on the East Central Health website. 2. Why the concern about mumps now? * Alberta has experienced a cluster of mumps cases, mostly in Lethbridge and Calgary. * Most of the mumps cases are occurring in young adults. * In May/June, drop-in clinics will be held throughout Alberta. This immunization program will protect susceptible individuals, and help to prevent further spread of the disease. * Free Measles, Mumps, Rubella (MMR) immunizations will be provided to individuals in the following groups who have not had a dose of mumps vaccine since turning 18 years of age: • Adults born in and between 1980 and 1990 • Adults born in or after 1970 who live in work camps Two doses of mumps-containing vaccine are routinely recommended for people in the following groups, regardless of the age of their last dose: • Health workers born in or after 1970 • Post-secondary students born in or after 1970 People with a history of mumps disease are considered to be immune and do not need to be immunized. 3. Why are those born between 1980 and 1990 considered to be susceptible, or at risk of developing mumps disease? * Most people age 17 and younger have already received two doses of MMR; * Most mumps cases in Alberta have been in those born during this time period; and * The mobile and social lifestyles of individuals in this age group can increase the spread of the disease 4. Why do I need the Measles, Mumps, and Rubella (MMR) vaccine? The MMR vaccine provides protection not only against mumps but measles and rubella as well. There is no “mumps only” vaccine licensed in Canada. 5. Why will a second dose of MMR vaccine help prevent a large mumps outbreak? In Alberta, most cases of mumps have been in young adults and post-secondary students. Many of these individuals were vaccinated against mumps in childhood, but received only one dose. Since 1996, children in Alberta have routinely been offered two doses of mumps vaccine, as studies have shown that a second dose provides improved, longer-lasting effectiveness. Offering a second dose of mumps vaccine will provide protection for those who were not fully protected with the first dose, and help to boost the immunity of those experiencing decreasing immunity. 6. Are sports teams eligible for MMR vaccine during this immunization program? * Members of sports teams are eligible if they are born between 1980 and 1990. * No recommendations are being made for visiting teams from outside of Alberta.
Adapted from Nova Scotia Department of Health Promotion & Protection, April 2008
7. Are people from outside of Alberta eligible for the MMR vaccine? All individuals who fit the criteria outlined in question #2 above can be immunized even if they are not from Alberta. 8. I received MMR in the past. Do I need to get revaccinated? Most people in the groups identified in question #2 would have received one dose of a mumps containing vaccine in childhood. A second dose is now being recommended for these individuals. Those in this target group do not need to get this vaccine if they: • Have a record showing that they have already had two doses of MMR vaccine, or • Have previously had mumps disease, or • Have a contraindication to MMR vaccine. (refer to question #10 for contraindications) 9. Do I need this vaccine if I had mumps already as a child? Lifelong immunity generally develops following a mumps infection. You would not require this vaccine if you have a history of mumps disease. 10. What are the contraindications and precautions related to MMR vaccine? The following people should not be immunized with MMR vaccine: • Pregnant women or women who think they may be pregnant. Women who receive this vaccine should not become pregnant for at least one month after immunization. • Individuals who have had an anaphylactic reaction to a previous dose of MMR vaccine. • Individuals with a severe allergy to any part of MMR vaccine including neomycin or gelatin. • Individuals with weakened immune systems (such as those with cancer, leukemia, lymphoma, or HIV, or people receiving chemotherapy or who are on immunosuppressive drugs). • Individuals who have received a live vaccine within the past month. These people should wait one month after the date of that live vaccine before receiving MMR. • Individuals who have received immune globulin (IG), or blood products in the past 3 to 11 months (depending on the type of blood product received). Check with a Public Health Nurse if you are unsure. 11. Is the MMR vaccine safe for pregnant women? * Although there is no known risk from MMR vaccination during pregnancy, it should not be given to pregnant women. Women who receive this vaccine should not become pregnant for at least one month following immunization. * For more information on mumps and pregnancy, read the “Get the facts… mumps information for pregnant women” information sheet on the ECH website. 12. Is MMR vaccine safe for breastfeeding mothers? Breastfeeding mothers can safely be immunized with the MMR vaccine. 13. Can I receive the vaccine if I have an allergy to eggs? Individuals with an egg allergy can safely be immunized with MMR vaccine. 14. What are the possible reactions to the MMR vaccine? Most people will not have a reaction to MMR vaccine. Some people may experience mild reactions such as: • Burning and/or stinging for a short time at the injection site. • Mild soreness or redness at the injection site that lasts for 1-2 days. • A fever with or without a rash may occur 5-12 days after receiving MMR.
Adapted from Nova Scotia Department of Health Promotion & Protection, April 2008
Some recipients may experience moderate reactions such as: • Mild pain or stiffness in the joints lasting 3 days or more may occur 1-3 weeks after receiving the vaccine. This occurs in about 25 adults out of 100. Women are more affected than men and it may occur in as many as 40 women out of 100. Rarely the pain and stiffness can last for months, and can come and go. • Swelling of the lymph nodes, and rarely swelling of the testicles. Very few individuals may have more serious adverse reactions to the vaccine, such as: • Severe allergic reaction (anaphylaxis) occurs in about 1 per 1,000,000 doses. • Encephalitis (swelling of the brain) occurs at a rate of about 1 per 1,000,000 doses; the incidence of encephalitis with natural mumps disease is 1 per 1,000 doses • Thrombocytopenia (low platelet count in the blood) can occur very infrequently, is usually harmless and goes away within a month. 15. Should I report an adverse reaction to the MMR vaccine? • Mild reactions such as soreness and swelling at the injection site, and fever with or without rash can occur, and do not need to be reported to Public Health. These mild reactions can be alleviated somewhat with pain relievers. • Report any of the moderate or severe reactions discussed in question #14 to your local Public Health. Also report any unusual side effects that concern you. • Prompt reporting of reactions after immunization help to guarantee vaccine safety. 16. Is there a limit to the number of MMR vaccinations I can receive? Two doses of MMR vaccine are recommended for those groups discussed in question #2 to ensure protection and long lasting immunity. In cases where immunization history is not known there is no harm in receiving additional doses of MMR vaccine. 17. How long does it take to develop MMR immunity? Protective antibodies appear in the blood within 10 – 14 days of immunization. 18. I’ve recently received MMR vaccine (in the last two weeks) and now I have been in close contact with a case of mumps. What do I do? Watch for signs and symptoms of mumps disease. If you experience any signs or symptoms of mumps disease see your doctor. Advise your doctor of the date of immunization and dates of contact with the case of mumps. 19. I was born before 1970 and don't think that I had the mumps. Why don't I qualify for the vaccine? It is assumed that most Canadians over the age of approximately 37 years have natural protection against mumps, since mumps disease was very common before immunization started. Mumps vaccine was licensed in Canada in 1969. 20. Do I need to bring anything with me to the immunization clinics? Please bring the following to clinics: * Alberta Personal Health Card * Your immunization record (contact the office(s) where you were immunized previously to get a copy of your immunization record) People from outside of Alberta should bring their health care number to the clinic. Wear short sleeves or a loose fitting long sleeve shirt if possible. 21. Where can I get more information about this immunization campaign? • Visit the East Central Health website at www.ech.ab.ca. • Call Health Link 24 hours per day (1-866-408-5465 toll free) • Call your local Public Health Office
Adapted from Nova Scotia Department of Health Promotion & Protection, April 2008