Carnegie Mellon

Updated Recommendations for Mumps Vaccinations

During January 1 to May 6, 2006, there was an outbreak of mumps in the United States that resulted in 2597 reported cases in 11 states. The State of Iowa experienced a significant number of cases among the college age population resulting in disruption of studies for students who became ill or were exposed to ill students.

Mumps is an acute, highly contagious viral illness that generally has a good prognosis. However, it can cause complications including meningitis, orchitis (inflammation of the testes), oophortis (inflammation of the ovaries), pancreatitis and deafness. In rare cases, mumps can lead to death.

The Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) has issued recommendations regarding control and elimination of mumps that reinforce the need for two doses of mumps vaccine for individuals born during or after 1957. For most students this will mean that they should have two doses of MMR (measles, mumps, rubella vaccine). At this time, they are not recommending a third dose.

Carnegie Mellon has required two doses of measles vaccine and one dose of mumps and rubella in the past. However, given the resurgence of mumps in the college population and ACIP recommendations, we are recommending that students receive two doses of mumps vaccine (two doses of MMR) as well.

If you have not received two doses of mumps vaccine, you can contact your local health department or family doctor. If you wish to receive an injection of MMR from Student Health Services or would like more information, please contact Diane Dawson at dd4p@andrew.cmu.edu or call the appointment/advice nurse at 412-268-2157 and select option “2.” The cost is $42/injection.

For more information on mumps see: http://www.cdc.gov/nip/diseases/mumps/default.htm.