Mumps Vaccine
Vaccination Schedule
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1 year
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First Grade
The disease
Mumps is an infectious disease caused by the mumps virus. It spreads from person to person through coughing, sneezing, sharing dishes, and contact with items without proper handwashing. The symptoms are swelling of the salivary glands under the earlobes (parotids), mild fever, headache, loss of appetite, runny nose and and coughing. Complications may include viral meningitis, inflammation of the testicles (that may cause infertility), and inflammation of the ovaries and breasts. Deafness is also a possible complication.
The vaccine
The mump vaccine is administered as part of the MMRV vaccine, which also contains vaccines against measles, rubella, and chicken pox, as part of routine vaccinations for infants and children.
There are separate vaccines available for use in situations where an allergy or medical condition contraindicates one of the MMRV components. In any case, individuals can consult a Family Health Center (Tipat Halav) nurse to discuss the option or necessity of receiving the MMRV components as separate vaccines for any reason.
| Vaccine composition | Vaccine administration |
| Live attenuated mumps viruses | By injection to the arm |
The influence of the vaccine in Israel: in 1984-1985, Israel incorporated the vaccine into routine vaccinations. It was later discontinued and then reincorporated in 1988. Before the vaccine became available, mumps had been a very prevalent disease, mostly among children, and a common cause of viral meningitis. Since the incorporation of the vaccine into routine vaccinations, there has been a steep decline of 98% in cases, with the exception of a single outbreak in 2010.
Vaccine completion: if your child is in school age and has not been given a mumps vaccine, which is included in the birth to 18 years immunization schedule, you can contact the school nurse to schedule the vaccine completion. In addition, the health staff of the school will inform you of complementary vaccines your child needs and help you schedule them with your consent.
Possible side effects and how to relieve them
A few of those who receive the vaccine may develop side effects after the vaccination. However, these side effects are usually mild and resolve on their own:
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Redness, pain and swelling at the injection site -
Fever -
Rash -
Extremely rare phenomena
- Redness, swelling, and pain at the injection site: local symptoms may appear within 4 days after vaccination. You can apply a clean cloth soaked in lukewarm water to the injection site and avoid massaging the area.
- Fever: may appear within 5-12 days after vaccination. You can administer an analgesic to help relieve pain and reduce fever.
- Rash: this may appear within 42 days after vaccination.
- Rare phenomena: inflammation of the upper respiratory system, runny nose, swollen salivary and lymph glands, loss of appetite, diarrhea, vomiting, drowsiness, weakness, crying, sleeplessness, irritability, inflammation of the testicles and seizures. You can administer an analgesic to help relieve pain and reduce fever.
When to seek medical attention at an HMO or emergency medical center after the vaccination
- If your child appears apathetic.
- If fever lasts beyond 24-48 hours.
- If there are changes in appetite and eating patterns beyond 24-48 hours.
- In cases of seizures (often related to fever but should be examined).
- If blue bruises appear on the skin.
- If any other phenomenon causes concern.