Mumps, a serious virus, can cause terribleinfections and deafness. A recent outbreakin the U.S. prompted the government tochange its vaccine advice. People who hadgotten just one shot for the mumps weren’tas well protected as those who received two.So, the government now advises two shotsfor children and those at high risk.
A youngster should get a first dose ofthe MMR vaccine—which safely preventsmeasles, mumps, and rubella—between12 and 15 months of age. Another doseis advised at 4 to 6 years of age. But thissecond shot can be given any time at leastfour weeks after the first.
Other people who should get a secondshot include:
- grammar school, high school, andcollege students
- health care workers and world travelers.