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# 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

- Class: [Viral vaccines](https://durgical.com/en/pharmacology/classes/viral-vaccines/)
- Target: Mumps virus haemagglutinin-neuraminidase (HN)
- ATC code: J07BE
- WHO Model List of Essential Medicines

Also called: MMR (triple viral), MMRV (with varicella)

◆**Mumps virus haemagglutinin-neuraminidase (HN)**Mumps vaccine

ⓘ The figure shows mumps virus haemagglutinin-neuraminidase, the attachment protein; the live vaccine induces antibodies against it and the other surface proteins.

**Target in 3D:** Mumps virus haemagglutinin-neuraminidase (HN). PDB structure 5B2C (RCSB PDB, public domain). [View the structure at RCSB PDB](https://www.rcsb.org/structure/5B2C) · Drag to rotate · pinch to zoom

## 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 →](https://durgical.com/en/conditions/mumps/)

## Adverse effects

### Common

- Fever and rash (MMR)
- Parotitis (rare)
- Transient arthralgia

### Serious (rare, important)

- Febrile seizures (rare)
- Anaphylaxis (very rare)

## 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.

## Memory aid

"Mumps can still mump the vaccinated": two doses help, outbreaks in close contact may need a third.

## 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.

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## Related drugs

- [Measles vaccine](https://durgical.com/en/pharmacology/measles-vaccine/)
- [Rubella vaccine](https://durgical.com/en/pharmacology/rubella-vaccine/)

## Related conditions

- [Mumps](https://durgical.com/en/conditions/mumps/)

[← Back to the class: Viral vaccines](https://durgical.com/en/pharmacology/classes/viral-vaccines/)

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](https://www.cdc.gov/pinkbook/hcp/table-of-contents/chapter-15-mumps.html) (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2021); [Chapter 13: Measles | Pink Book | CDC](https://www.cdc.gov/pinkbook/hcp/table-of-contents/chapter-13-measles.html) (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2021); [ATCDDD - ATC/DDD Index](https://atcddd.fhi.no/atc_ddd_index/?code=J07B&showdescription=no) (WHO Collaborating Centre for Drug Statistics Methodology, 2026).

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Representative model, for educational purposes only.

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Source: https://durgical.com/en/pharmacology/mumps-vaccine/
License: CC BY 4.0 (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/). Cite as: DurgiPedia (durgical.com), https://durgical.com/en/pharmacology/mumps-vaccine/