News Release                                                

                                                                                                                 For Immediate Release

                                                                                                                 December 16, 2008

Mumps “Catch-Up” - Get Protected While Home for the Holidays

Recent outbreaks of mumps across Canada led the Ontario Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care to recommend a “catch-up” dose of mumps vaccine for people born between 1970 and 1995. Everyone between the ages of 13 and 38 is encouraged to review their immunization record to ensure they received two doses of the measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccine. If in doubt, check with your health care provider or Public Health. If you have received only one dose of MMR, the Grey Bruce Health Unit will be holding appointment-based mumps “catch-up” clinics in Owen Sound, Walkerton and Port Elgin. Post-secondary students home for the Christmas holidays are encouraged to make an appointment. The Grey Bruce Health Unit has also scheduled a mump vaccine “catch-up” clinic at Georgian College, Owen Sound, Tuesday, January 20, 2009.

Mumps is a 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), encephalitis (inflammation of the brain), deafness, and painful swelling of the testicles that may cause infertility. 

For further information, please call Public Health at 519-376-9420 or visit our website at www.publichealthgreybruce.on.ca.

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For more information:

Jody Kroeplin R.N., B.Sc.N.

Public Health Nurse, Vaccine Preventable Diseases Program

Grey Bruce Health Unit

519-376-9420 ext. 1323