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Mumps Vaccine

Diseases
Vaccines
19 August 2026

About

Mumps is a highly contagious infectious disease caused by the mumps virus. Symptoms include swelling of the lymph nodes below the earlobes, low-grade fever, headaches, loss of appetite, runny nose, and cough. Complications can include viral meningitis, inflammation of the testicles (which can cause infertility), and inflammation of the ovaries and breasts. Another possible complication is hearing loss. There is no specific treatment for mumps.

Vaccine

The mumps vaccine is given as part of the measles, mumps, rubella, and varicella (MMRV) vaccine, which also includes vaccines against measles, rubella, and chickenpox, as part of the immunization schedule for infants and children.

In most cases, two doses of the vaccine provide long-term protection.

Short-term side effects may occur within a day or two after vaccination. Most are mild and go away on their own. After the MMRV vaccine, common side effects include redness, pain, or swelling at the injection site, fever, and sometimes a mild, non-contagious rash. After the MMR vaccine, fever and irritability may also occur 5 to 12 days after vaccination. In rare cases, febrile seizures or a temporary decrease in the number of platelets in the blood may occur.

Immunization Schedule for Infants and Children

Vaccination Schedule

  • 1 year
  • First Grade
Full Schedule

About mumps

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 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. There is no cure for mumps.

About the vaccine

The vaccine is given as part of the measles, mumps, rubella, and varicella (MMRV) vaccine, which also includes vaccines against measles, rubella, and chickenpox, as part of the immunization schedule for infants and children.

The mumps vaccine is usually given as part of the MMRV vaccine, which also includes vaccines against measles, rubella, and chickenpox. In certain situations, the MMR vaccine, which does not include the chickenpox component, can be given. Side effects may vary slightly depending on the vaccine formulation used.

You can consult a family care center (Tipat Halav) nurse about the appropriate vaccine formulation.

Immunization Schedule for Infants and Children

Vaccine composition Vaccine administration
Live attenuated mumps viruses By injection to the arm

Impact of the Vaccine in Israel: The vaccine was added to the immunization schedule in 1984–1985, discontinued, and then reintroduced in 1988. Before the vaccine was introduced, mumps was very common, especially among children, and was a common cause of viral meningitis. Since the mumps vaccine was added to the immunization schedule, the number of cases has dropped sharply by 98%, except for one outbreak in 2010.

Catch-Up Vaccination: If your child is school-aged and has not previously received the mumps vaccine, which is included in the immunization schedule, you can contact the school nurse to arrange catch-up vaccination. In addition, the school health team will inform you about the need for catch-up vaccinations and help coordinate them with your consent.

More information about catch-up vaccinations

Duration of Protection

In most cases, two doses of the vaccine provide long-term protection.

Possible Side Effects After Vaccination and How to Relieve Them

Side effects may occur after vaccination. Most are mild and go away on their own within a day or two. Side effects may vary depending on the vaccine formulation used.

Common Side Effects:

  • Redness, pain, or swelling at the injection site: You can place a clean cloth soaked in lukewarm water on the area for relief.
  • Temporary joint pain and stiffness: More common in adolescent girls and adult women. You can give a medication to relieve pain and make sure to get plenty of rest.

Side Effects That May Occur:

  • Fever and irritability: May occur 5 to 12 days after vaccination and usually go away without treatment within a few days.

Rare Side Effects:

  • Febrile seizures: They are usually associated with fever, but it is important to seek medical attention. If this is the first seizure the person has ever had, seek immediate care at an emergency department.
  • Temporary decrease in the number of platelets in the blood: If bruising or unusual bleeding occurs, it is important to seek medical attention promptly.
  • Severe allergic reaction: If difficulty breathing or swelling of the face or tongue occurs, call Magen David Adom (MDA) immediately at 101 and go to an emergency department.

More information about possible side effects of vaccines

When to seek medical attention at an HMO or emergency medical center after the vaccination

  • If your child seems unusually tired or unresponsive.
  • If your child has a fever that lasts more than 24–48 hours.
  • If changes in your child's appetite or eating habits last more than 24–48 hours.
  • If your child has a seizure. Seizures are usually caused by fever, but it is important to seek medical attention.
  • If your child has unexplained bruising or unusual bleeding.
  • If your child has any symptom or reactions that concerns you.

If your child experiences symptoms after getting vaccinated in school, please inform the school nurse or the school's preferred healthcare provider.

List of health care providers by district

 

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