Mumps vaccine

Mumps vaccines are vaccines which prevent mumps.^[1] When given to a majority of the population they decrease complications at the population level.^[1] Effectiveness when 90% of a population is vaccinated is estimated at 85%.^[2] Two doses are required for long term prevention.^[1] The initial dose is recommended between 12 and 18 months of age.^[1] The second dose is then typically given between two years and six years of age.^[1] Usage after exposure in those not already immune may be useful.^[3]

Side effects are usually mild.^[1][3] It may cause "slight soreness and swelling" at the site of injection, parotisis and mild fever.^[1] More significant side effects are rare.^[1] Evidence is insufficient to link the vaccine to complications such as neurological effects (beyond "occasional orchitis and sensorineural deafness").^[1][3] The vaccine should not be given to people who are pregnant or have very poor immune system function.^[1] Poor outcomes among children of mothers who received the vaccine during pregnancy, however, have not been documented.^[1][3] Even though the vaccine is developed in chicken cells, it is generally safe to give to those with egg allergies.^[3]

Most of the developed world and many countries in the developing world include it in their immunization programs often in combination with measles and rubella vaccine known as MMR.^[1] A formulation with the previous three and the varicella (chickenpox) vaccine known as MMRV is also available.^[3] As of 2005, 110 countries provided the vaccine as part of their immunization programs.^[1] In areas where widespread vaccination is carried out it has resulted in a more than 90% decline in rates of disease.^[1] Almost half a billion doses of one variety of the vaccine has been given.^[1]