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Mumpsvax Side Effects

Generic name: mumps virus vaccine

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Jan 22, 2024.

Note: This document contains side effect information about mumps virus vaccine. Some dosage forms listed on this page may not apply to the brand name Mumpsvax.

Applies to mumps virus vaccine: subcutaneous powder for injection.

Warning

The mumps vaccine is usually given as one shot, followed later by a booster vaccine with measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine. The first mumps vaccine is usually given when the child is 12 to 15 months old. The MMR shots are then given before the child starts elementary school. Your child's individual booster schedule may be different from these guidelines. Follow your doctor's instructions or the schedule recommended by the health department of the state you live in.

Be sure your child receives all recommended doses of this vaccine. If your child does not receive the full series of vaccines, he or she may not be fully protected against the disease.

Your child can still receive a vaccine if he or she has a cold or fever. In the case of a more severe illness with a fever or any type of infection, wait until the child gets better before receiving this vaccine.

Your child should not receive a booster vaccine if he or she had a life-threatening allergic reaction after the first shot.

Keep track of any and all side effects your child has after receiving this vaccine. If the child ever receives a booster dose, you will need to tell the doctor if the previous shots caused any side effects.

Becoming infected with mumps is much more dangerous to your child's health than receiving the vaccine to protect against it. Like any medicine, this vaccine can cause side effects, but the risk of serious side effects is extremely low.

Keep track of any and all side effects your child has after receiving this vaccine. If the child ever receives a booster dose, you will need to tell the doctor if the previous shots caused any side effects.

Becoming infected with mumps is much more dangerous to your child's health than receiving the vaccine to protect against it. Like any medicine, this vaccine can cause side effects, but the risk of serious side effects is extremely low.

Get emergency medical help if your child has any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Call your doctor at once if the child has any of these serious side effects:

Less serious side effects include:

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects.

For Healthcare Professionals

Applies to mumps virus vaccine: subcutaneous powder for injection.

Local

Local side effects have included burning/stinging at the injection site and wheal and flare.[Ref]

Hypersensitivity

Hypersensitivity reactions have included anaphylaxis, anaphylactoid reactions, angioneurotic edema (including peripheral or facial edema), and bronchial spasm.[Ref]

Cardiovascular

Cardiovascular side effects have included vasculitis.[Ref]

Dermatologic

Dermatologic side effects have included Stevens-Johnson Syndrome, erythema multiforme, and urticaria.[Ref]

Endocrine

Endocrine side effects have included diabetes mellitus.[Ref]

Genitourinary

Genitourinary side effects have included orchitis.[Ref]

Gastrointestinal

Gastrointestinal side effects have included pancreatitis; diarrhea, and parotitis.[Ref]

Hematologic

Hematologic side effects have included thrombocytopenia, purpura, lymphadenopathy, and leukocytosis.[Ref]

Nervous system

Although a causal relationship between the Urabe strain of mumps vaccine and aseptic meningitis has been shown, there are no data that associate the currently used Jeryl Lynn vaccine strain to aseptic meningitis.[Ref]

Nervous system side effects have included encephalitis, Guillain-Barré Syndrome (GBS), febrile seizures, ocular palsies, and aseptic meningitis.[Ref]

Ocular

Ocular side effects have included optic neuritis, papillitis, retrobulbar neuritis, and conjunctivitis.[Ref]

Respiratory

Respiratory side effects have included cough and rhinitis.[Ref]

Other

Otic side effects have included nerve deafness and otitis media.[Ref]

A postmarketing surveillance study in Finland during 1982 to 1993 with 1.5 million pediatric and adult vaccinees (measles/mumps/rubella vaccine) reported no deaths or permanent sequelae.[Ref]

Other side effects have included fever, syncope, and irritability.

Fatalities have been reported following administration of the polyvalent measles/mumps/rubella vaccine; however, causality has not been determined.

Health care providers should report any allergic or unusual adverse reactions to the Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting System (VAERS) at 1-800-822-7967 (USA) and the manufacturer.[Ref]

More about Mumpsvax (mumps virus vaccine)

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References

1. Product Information. Mumpsvax (mumps virus vaccine). Merck & Co., Inc. 2022.

Further information

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Some side effects may not be reported. You may report them to the FDA.