Mumps

About mumps

Mumps is a viral infection that causes a fever, headaches and swelling of the salivary glands and cheeks. Before the vaccine was developed, it was a very common childhood disease.
 

The virus spreads through direct contact with saliva. It passes easily from person to person through:

  • coughing; 
  • sneezing; 
  • close face-to-face contact; or 
  • sharing items such as cups or toys. 
     

The most common symptoms of mumps are:

  • puffy cheeks; and
  • a tender, swollen jaw. 
     

Complications of mumps can include:

  • meningitis;
  • temporary painful swelling of the testicles or ovaries; 
  • temporary deafness; and 
  • inflammation of the brain (encephalitis) in severe cases.
Resources

  • In the Yukon, the routine immunization schedule for children includes:

    • the measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccine; and
    • the measles, mumps, rubella and varicella (MMRV) vaccine.
       

    These vaccines are given by injection and protect against: 

    • measles; 
    • mumps; 
    • rubella; and 
    • varicella, also known as chickenpox (MMRV only). 
       

    Both vaccines are live, meaning they contain weakened forms of the viruses that cannot cause disease in healthy people. 

  • The MMR and MMRV vaccines are recommended and provided free to eligible people. 

    The MMR vaccine is recommended for: 
    •    children 12 months of age and older as part of the routine immunization schedule; 
    •    health care workers of any age; 
    •    people born after 1970; and 
    •    people with incomplete or unknown immunization records.
     

    The MMRV vaccine is recommended for children ages 4 to 6 to complete their MMR and chickenpox immunization series.
    Talk to your health care provider or local health center if you’re not sure whether you or your child should get the vaccine.
     

  • Talk to your health care provider before getting the MMR or MMRV vaccine if you or your child:

    • had a severe allergic reaction to a previous dose of the vaccine;
    • had a severe allergic reaction to an ingredient in the vaccine;
    • has a weakened immune system because of disease or medical treatment;
    • has a family history of congenital immunodeficiency;
    • received immune globulin or blood products in the past 12 months;
    • has active, untreated tuberculosis;
    • is pregnant or planning a pregnancy;
    • had a low platelet count after a previous MMR vaccine; or
    • has a fever or is very sick.
       

    Avoid pregnancy 1 month after getting a live vaccine.
     

    A cold or mild illness is usually not a reason to delay vaccination. Talk to your health care provider if you have concerns.

  • Vaccination helps:

    • protect against mumps;
    • reduce the risk of serious complications;
    • reduce the spread of mumps in the community; and
    • protect people who cannot get vaccinated.
       

    The vaccine is safe, effective and free for eligible people in the Yukon.

  • Common reactions may include:

    • redness, swelling or soreness where the vaccine was given; 
    • mild fever; or
    • tiredness.

    The MMR and MMRV vaccines may also cause a mild rash or fever 1 to 3 weeks after vaccination. 
     

    To manage symptoms: 

    • use a cool, damp cloth on the injection site; and 
    • use acetaminophen if needed. 
       

    After you get the vaccine

    • Stay at the clinic for 15 minutes after getting any vaccine.
    • Severe allergic reactions are very rare. Clinic staff are trained to treat them right away.
    • If you have symptoms of a severe reaction after leaving the clinic, call 911 or your local emergency number right away.
    • If you or your child has a serious or unexpected reaction after vaccination, contact your health care provider or local health centre.

Find out how to get immunized