Mumps vaccine !
Live attenuated mumps virus (Jeryl Lynn strain and others), given as part of MMR (triple viral). It prevents mumps and its complications.
Updated 2026-11-01
Also called: MMR (triple viral), MMRV (with varicella)
The figure shows mumps virus haemagglutinin-neuraminidase, the attachment protein; the live vaccine induces antibodies against it and the other surface proteins.
Mechanism of action
The attenuated virus replicates weakly and induces antibodies and cellular immunity. Protection is lower than for measles and wanes, so outbreaks still occur among people with two doses in close-contact settings; public health authorities may then recommend a third dose for groups at risk.
- Attenuated mumps virus is injected within MMR
- Antibodies form against the virus's surface proteins
- Two doses protect better than one
- In outbreaks, a third dose may be recommended for groups at risk
Pharmacokinetics
- Onset and duration
- Effectiveness about 88% after two doses and 78% after one (CDC)
Indications
- Prevention of mumps and its complications (orchitis, meningitis, deafness, pancreatitis) Mumps →
Adverse effects
Common
- Fever and rash (MMR)
- Parotitis (rare)
- Transient arthralgia
Contraindications
- Pregnancy
- Severe immunosuppression
- Severe allergic reaction to a previous dose or a component
Key interactions
- Antibody-containing blood products
- They neutralise the live vaccine virus: MMR is delayed for months after them
What is monitored
- Two documented doses
- Fever after the dose
Administration and safety
- Given as MMR: lyophilised, reconstitute with the supplied diluent
- Subcutaneous route
- Record the batch and product
Nursing care
- Ask about pregnancy, immunosuppression and recent blood products
- Warn about fever and rash after MMR
- Explain that mumps can occur after vaccination but is usually milder
Pregnancy and breastfeeding
Contraindicated in pregnancy (it is given as MMR); pregnancy is avoided for four weeks after vaccination.
Test yourself
Think of the answer, then tap the question to see it.
What are the main complications of mumps?
Orchitis, oophoritis, aseptic meningitis or encephalitis, pancreatitis and hearing loss.
Why do mumps outbreaks occur in people with two doses?
Vaccine effectiveness is lower than for measles and may wane; close contact favours spread.
What may be recommended during a mumps outbreak?
A third MMR dose for groups at increased risk, as decided by public health authorities.
Related drugs
Related conditions
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Educational content on how drugs work; not a prescribing guide and no substitute for a health professional's advice. No doses are given.
Sources: Chapter 15: Mumps | Pink Book | CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2021); Chapter 13: Measles | Pink Book | CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2021); ATCDDD - ATC/DDD Index (WHO Collaborating Centre for Drug Statistics Methodology, 2026).
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Representative model, for educational purposes only.