Mumps…On the Rise in Ontario!

Mumps has reared its ugly face in Canadian provinces, including Ontario.  Recent outbreaks of mumps disease in four different Canadian provinces has led the Ontario Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care to recommend a “catch-up” dose of mumps-containing vaccine, usually in the form of measles, mumps and rubella (MMR), for people born between 1970 and 1995. 

People born during these years probably would have only received one dose of MMR as it was, at that time, the recommended Ontario schedule.  Since 1996, Ontario has changed their immunization recommendations to include two doses of MMR vaccine in the event that the first dose does not produce enough immunity in a small portion of individuals.

The Grey Bruce Health Unit will be offering the MMR vaccine to eligible individuals at their regular immunization clinics as well as at Georgian College, Owen Sound site Tuesday, January 20, 2009. 

What is mumps?

How is mumps spread?

Why is the province doing a catch-up program?

Do I need a second dose of MMR vaccine?

Where can I get a second dose of MMR? 

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What is mumps? 

Mumps is a highly contagious viral illness that can cause fever, headache, and swelling of the salivary glands around the jaw and cheeks.  Mumps can also cause meningitis (infection of the fluid and lining that cover the brain and spinal cord) and encephalitis (inflammation of the brain) which can cause permanent brain damage; deafness; and infection of the testicles causing painful swelling and possibly sterility. 

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How is mumps spread?

Mumps is spread through respiratory droplets of an infected person.  The virus can be spread either through close, direct contact by sneezing and coughing, or through indirect contact on contaminated objects. 

Once the vulnerable come into contact with the virus, it begins to infect the nose and throat, travelling through the bloodstream to many parts of the body. 

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Why is the province doing a catch-up campaign?

The Ministry is aiming the catch-up campaign towards students in post-secondary school.  People in this age have probably only received one dose of a mump-containing vaccine, usually in the form of MMR (measles, mumps and rubella).  Since 1996, the Ontario Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care have introduced into their routine childhood immunization schedule two doses of MMR providing these individuals possible with a higher level of protection. 

Close living conditions, social behaviours and lifestyle factors put post-secondary students particularly at risk of contracting the mumps virus.

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Do I need a second dose of MMR?

The Grey Bruce Health Unit is encouraging everyone born between the years of 1970 and 1995 to review their yellow immunization card to determine if they have received one or two doses of the MMR vaccine.  Most people in this age group have probably only received one dose, therefore putting them at risk of contracting the mumps virus.  People who have only received one dose of MMR vaccine should call Public Health or their family physician to book an appointment to receive their second MMR. 

This vaccine should not be given to females who are pregnant or plan on becoming pregnant within three months post injection.

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Where is this vaccine available?

MMR vaccine is available publicly funded through physician or other healthcare providers’ offices or your local Health Unit until the end of March 2009.  To receive the vaccine at the Grey Bruce Health Unit, please call the Health Unit at 519 376-9420 to book an appointment at one of our community immunization clinics: