Posted by Sudbury Northern Life
The Ontario government and the province's public health units are encouraging young adults to receive their measles, mumps, rubella (MMR) vaccine. The move comes in response to mumps outbreaks in Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, Alberta and British Columbia.
Most people born between 1970 and 1991 received only a single
dose of the combined MMR vaccine and are at risk for mumps.
People born in 1992 or after should have received two doses of
the MMR vaccine. People born before 1970 are assumed to be
immune to mumps through natural infection. To be fully
protected from contracting mumps, two doses of the MMR vaccine
are required.
The vaccination is available through family doctors for anyone who needs a second dose of MMR.
All young adults are encouraged to review their personal immunization record to determine if they need a second dose of the vaccine. If individuals cannot locate their immunization record, it is recommended that they take advantage of the catch-up program and receive one dose.
Facts About Mumps:
Mumps is a contagious disease that is spread from person to person through direct contact with respiratory droplets from the mouth or nose of an infected person. This can happen when an infected person coughs or sneezes. Mumps can also be spread through sharing drinks and kissing.
Mumps is preventable by immunization. Symptoms, which usually last 10 days, include fever, headache, muscle aches and pains, tiredness, loss of appetite, followed by painful swelling of one or both salivary glands. Mumps can also have serious complications.
Mumps is an acute viral illness and therefore cannot be treated with antibiotics. If infected with mumps, it means spending on average nine days in isolation to make sure it is not spread to others.
The MMR vaccine is safe and effective in protecting against all three diseases.
For more information, contact the Sudbury & District Health Unit at 522-9200 or visit www.ontario.ca/mumps .
