Mumps
Vaccine
• The most reliable strain of mumps vaccine
is called Jeryl Lynn. A derivative of this strain
is contained in the MMR. The single mumps brand
called Mumpsvax has this strain and is the only
one we use in our clinics. Mumpsvax is made by Merck
and Co., Inc in the USA. It is cultured in chick
embryos and also contains human albumin and an antibiotic
called neomycin.
The Mercury
Issue
• There have been increasing concerns about
the mercury content of a number of widely used
vaccine products. Mercury is a constituent of
a preservative called Thiomersal (or Thimerosal)
which is added in some manufacturing processes.
None of the single vaccines used in our clinics
contain mercury in any form.
Risks
• All mumps vaccines are live and may produce
a high temperature, general aches, rashes, runny
nose or swollen glands: for a few days, soon after
the injection or 7 to 21 days later when the vaccine
is exerting its effects.
The vaccine may cause a swelling, pain or tenderness
at the angle of the jaw where the salivary glands
are located. This usually subsides after a day
or 2. Some children may also get an inflammation
of the testicles.
Some very rare side effects have been seen over
the decades of vaccine use. They include local
swelling and redness, inflamed joints, inflammatory
damage to the nervous system, the full blown disease
itself and alterations in the blood cell counts
Benefits
and effectiveness
• The vaccines we offer have a proven track
record at stimulating the immune system to produce
antibodies that will protect against the relevant
disease occurring or being severe. Due to individual
variations in the immune system from person to
person, the overall rate of antibody production
is around 90% to 95%. Mumps can cause rare complications
such as encephalitis and sterility.
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