Delaware County's Senior Medical Advisor, Dr. George Avetian provided the community with an update on the mumps outbreak and recommendation on vaccinations.
The CDC reports that from January 1 to September 13, 2019, 47 states and the District of Columbia reported mumps infections in 2,363 people. Mumps outbreaks can still occur in communities of people who previously had one or two doses of MMR vaccine. This is particularly common in close-contact settings.
“High vaccination coverage helps limit the size, duration, and spread of mumps outbreaks,” said Dr. George Avetian, Delaware County's Senior Medical Advisor. “Mumps vaccine is the best way to protect children against mumps.”
The vaccine is usually given as part of a combination vaccine that protects against three diseases: measles, mumps, and rubella. This vaccine is only licensed for use in children who are 12 months through 12 years of age.
Children should get two doses of MMR vaccine:
The first dose at 12 through 15 months of age.
The second dose at 4 through 6 years of age.
Anyone born during or after 1957 who has never had mumps or has never been vaccinated is at risk for mumps. It’s recommended that those born during or after 1957 get at least one dose of the MMR vaccine.
More information on mumps can be found here: https://www.cdc.gov/mumps/index.html