Protecting Against the Mumps

Mumps, a serious virus, can cause terrible infections and deafness. A recent outbreak in the U.S. prompted the government to change its vaccine advice. People who had gotten just one shot for the mumps weren’t as well protected as those who received two. So, the government now advises two shots for children and those at high risk.

A youngster should get a first dose of the MMR vaccine—which safely prevents measles, mumps, and rubella—between 12 and 15 months of age. Another dose is advised at 4 to 6 years of age. But this second shot can be given any time at least four weeks after the first.

Other people who should get a second shot include:

• grammar school, high school, and college students
• health care workers and world travelers.