(VIS) ‘What is mumps?’
Doctor Emma Goeman: Mumps is a contagious viral infection that spreads from person to person by coughing and sneezing, or through direct contact with saliva or urine.
(VIS) ‘What happens if my child gets mumps?’
Doctor Goeman: Children who catch mumps may develop flu-like symptoms such as a fever, tiredness, and body aches. Usually, they'll also develop swollen glands under the ears or the jaw. Around one in 10 people with mumps will develop meningitis, which is inflammation of the lining of the brain and spinal cord, and one in 10,000 people will develop brain inflammation called encephalitis. Other rare but important complications of mumps infection include deafness as well as inflammation and scarring of the testes in males, occasionally leading to reduced fertility.
(VIS) ‘What vaccine will protect my child?’
Doctor Goeman: Vaccination is the best way to protect your child from the disease. Mumps vaccines available in Australia are combination vaccines that also protect against measles and rubella, and for the 18-month dose, chickenpox. This means your child will be protected against more diseases with fewer injections and with less pain and stress for your child. Under the National Immunisation Program, children should receive the free vaccine at 12 and 18 months for the best possible protection.
(VIS) 'How does the vaccine work?’
Doctor Goeman: The vaccine provides immunity to mumps to help prevent your child from getting the disease. It contains a weakened and safe form of the mumps virus and trains your child’s immune system to recognise and protect against the infection. Getting both doses of the vaccine is 90% effective in protecting children against mumps. Vaccination reduces their chances of getting mumps, and if they do get it, they have less risk of serious illness and hospitalisation.
(VIS) ‘What are the common reactions or side effects?’
Doctor Goeman: Your child may experience mild side effects after the vaccine, which usually disappear within a few days. Common side effects in the first few days after immunisation include redness, swelling, and soreness at the injection site. Some children develop fever and a rash 5 to 12 days later. Paracetamol can be used as directed on the label if your child feels unwell with fever or pain after immunisation.
(VIS) ‘What impact has vaccination had on the prevalence of the disease?’
Doctor Goeman: Thankfully, mumps is much less common in Australia since it was added to the childhood immunisation schedule in the 1980s. Outbreaks do still occur, especially among people who are not immune. This is why we need to keep vaccinating.
(VIS) ‘Where to find more information’
(VIS) ‘Always talk to your health professional if you have any questions about childhood vaccinations. For more information, visit Sharing Knowledge About Immunisation at skai.org.au/childhood’
In this video, Dr Emma Goeman shares what mumps is and how you can protect your child with free vaccines available under the National Immunisation Program.