Mumps Vaccination Recommendations
The routinely recommended schedule for mumps vaccination is a 2-dose series with the first dose of MMR (measles, mumps, rubella) vaccine administered at age 12-15 months and the second dose at age 4-6 years. 1
Primary Vaccination Schedule
First Dose Recommendations
- First dose should be administered at 12-15 months of age 1
- For children aged 12-47 months, either:
- MMR vaccine and separate varicella vaccine (preferred option unless parent specifically requests MMRV)
- MMRV combination vaccine (ProQuad) 1
Second Dose Recommendations
- Second dose should be administered at 4-6 years of age 1
- For the second dose, MMRV vaccine is generally preferred over separate injections of MMR and varicella vaccines 1
Special Situations
Catch-up Vaccination
- Children not vaccinated according to routine schedule may receive their first dose up to age 12 years 1
- Two doses are required, separated by at least 28 days 2
- For first dose at age ≥48 months, MMRV vaccine is generally preferred over separate injections 1
International Travel
- Infants aged 6-11 months should receive a single dose of MMR before international travel 1
- This dose does not count toward the routine 2-dose series
- Travelers aged ≥12 months who have not received 2 doses should receive 2 doses separated by ≥28 days 1
Outbreak Response
- During mumps outbreaks, a third dose of MMR is recommended for persons identified by public health authorities as being part of a group at increased risk 1
Vaccine Interchangeability
- PRIORIX (GSK) and M-M-R II (Merck) are fully interchangeable 1
- Either vaccine may be administered in any situation where an MMR-containing vaccine is indicated 1
Precautions and Contraindications
- A personal or family history (sibling or parent) of seizures of any etiology is a precaution for MMRV vaccination 1
- Children with such history should generally receive separate MMR and varicella vaccines instead of MMRV 1
- MMR vaccines should not be administered to persons with severe allergic reactions to any component of the vaccine 1
Administration Considerations
- MMR vaccine may be administered simultaneously with other vaccines 1
- If not given simultaneously with other live vaccines, separate administration by at least 28 days 1
- For varicella vaccine specifically, if not given simultaneously with MMR, separate by at least 3 months 1
The evidence strongly supports this vaccination schedule to prevent mumps, along with measles and rubella. Following this schedule optimizes immune response while minimizing risks, as studies have shown better seroconversion rates when MMR is administered at 12 months or later compared to earlier vaccination 3, 4.