Key points
- Mumps vaccine is included in MMR vaccine and MMRV vaccine; MMRV is only licensed for children 1–12 years old.
- CDC recommends children receive 2 doses of MMR vaccine.
- A third dose of MMR may be recommended for people at risk of mumps during an outbreak.
Introduction
Single-antigen mumps vaccine is not available. Mumps vaccine is included in these combination vaccines:
- Measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine
- Measles, mumps, rubella, and varicella (MMRV) vaccine
This page summarizes CDC's current MMR and MMRV vaccine recommendations by age and risk. Access the official, full text below:
MMR effectiveness against mumps
Two doses of mumps vaccine are 86% (range: 32% to 95%) effective at preventing mumps.
One dose is 72% (range: 49% to 91%) effective at preventing mumps.
Presumptive evidence of immunity
ACIP recommends that people who don't have presumptive evidence of immunity to measles, mumps, and rubella should get vaccinated against these diseases.
Presumptive evidence of immunity can be established in any of the following ways:
- Written documentation of adequate vaccines for measles, mumps, and rubella
- Laboratory evidence of immunity
- Laboratory confirmation of disease
- Birth before 1957
Although birth before 1957 is considered acceptable evidence of immunity for healthcare personnel in routine circumstances, healthcare facilities should consider vaccinating healthcare personnel born before 1957 who lack laboratory evidence of immunity or laboratory confirmation of disease.
Healthcare providers should not accept verbal reports of vaccination without written documentation as presumptive evidence of immunity.
Routine recommendations
Children
CDC recommends children should routinely get 2 doses of MMR vaccine:
- First dose at age 12 through 15 months
- Second dose at age 4 through 6 years (before school entry)
This can be administered as MMR or MMRV vaccine. Children can receive the second dose of MMR vaccine earlier than 4 through 6 years (as long as it is at least 28 days after the first dose). A second dose of MMRV vaccine can be given 3 months after the first dose up to 12 years of age.
CDC recommends that separate MMR and varicella vaccines be given for the first dose in children aged 12–47 months; however, MMRV may be used if parents or caregivers express a preference.
Adults
Adults and teens should also be up to date on MMR vaccinations with either 1 or 2 doses (depending on risk factors); unless they have other presumptive evidence of immunity to measles, mumps, and rubella. MMR vaccination is especially important for healthcare professionals, international travelers, and other specific groups.
One dose of MMR vaccine, or other presumptive evidence of immunity, is sufficient for most adults. Providers generally do not need to actively screen adult patients for measles immunity in non-outbreak areas in the United States. After vaccination, it is also not necessary to test patients for antibodies to confirm immunity. There is no recommendation for a catch-up program among adults for a second dose of MMR (e.g., people born before 1989 or otherwise).
Considerations for special populations
Mumps vaccine is recommended for vaccinating people in specific groups who do not have evidence of immunity against mumps, including:
- College students
- International travelers
- Healthcare personnel
- Groups at increased risk during mumps outbreak
Post-exposure prophylaxis for mumps
Unlike with measles, MMR vaccine is not effective at helping protect people who have recently been infected with mumps (post-exposure prophylaxis, or PEP). MMR vaccine should not be used as post-exposure prophylaxis in immediate close contacts.
However, vaccination after exposure is not harmful and may possibly prevent later disease if re-exposed. Close contacts should still be offered a 1 dose to help protect them against future exposures, if their prior exposures did not result in infection.
For more information on mumps outbreak control and post-exposure prophylaxis, healthcare providers should:
- Consult their health department.
- Refer to the mumps chapter of the Surveillance of Vaccine-Preventable Diseases Manual.
MMR & MMRV contraindications and precautions
Contraindications and precautions to vaccination generally dictate circumstances when vaccines will not be given. Most contraindications and precautions are temporary, and the vaccine can be given at a later time.
Resources
- Vaccine Safety (MMR | MMRV)
- Vaccine Information Statements (MMR | MMRV)
- Immunization schedules (Child and adolescent | Adult)
- Vaccines For Children Program Information for Providers
- Ask the Experts: MMR | Immunize.org
Clinical information