Mumps Vaccine – Available to new patients  Quarter 2 – 2012

This is an infection caused by the myxovirus which causes enlarged salivary glands in the cheeks on top of the lower jaw, with a temperature, headache and difficulty in swallowing.

Infection after puberty in boys only, can also cause testicular swelling and tenderness and could reduce fertility. However in small children their fertility is not affected.

Mumps can be prevented by MMR vaccinations. M-M-R single vaccination is a safe alternative to the NHS MMR schedule. Single M-M-R jabs are given at six week intervals. We recommend that either Rubella single M-M-R jab or the measles single M-M-R jab is given first. Mumps single M-M-R jab has been unavailable for about 3 years.

Currently Mumps single vaccine is not available due to Merck stopping the manufacture of it about 3 years ago. However we are working with our suppliers (who have an MHRA -Medicines and  Healthcare products Regulatory Agency - Wholesale license and who are regularly inspected) to source a Jeryl Lynn Strain (the safest strain) of Mumps vaccine.

Two courses of single M-M-R jabs are required for permanent immunity: the first single M-M-R course is given between 13-18 months, the second “pre school” booster course is normally given at 3 years 4 months onwards (there are some exceptions).

M-M-R single vaccination gives a higher level of immunity. M-M-R single jabs achieve 97%, compared to 89% for the MMR. Unlike the combined MMR, M-M-R single vaccinations are not licensed in the UK, and therefore can only be administered on an individual patient prescription basis. The NHS use many unlicensed products also.

M-M-R single vaccines are manufactured by, France, India, and in some European countries and also China, Russia and in future the  UK. Our suppliers in the UK are working with UK manufacturers and are looking to produce the single mumps vaccine  for our patients.

Many single vaccinations are approved by the World Health Organisation (WHO), and single vaccinations imported in the UK are governed by a notification system  to the MHRA, the body that maintains strict control on the use of medicines and vaccines in the UK.

All jabs are stored at temperatures between 2-8 C., to ensure that their effectiveness is maintained. The MHRA inspect manufacturers, wholesalers & distributors of medicines and to make sure that they comply to GMP standards and are TSE/BSE free.