Additional mumps vaccination recommended
JMU Headlines
SUMMARY: The CDC has advised that a third dose of the vaccine can boost your immunity against mumps.
Due to the recent mumps cases at JMU, we wanted to provide you with information to assist you in remaining healthy. Mumps cases have been reported in many institutions of higher education, and the Virginia Department of Health, in consultation with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, is recommending that students, faculty and staff receive a third dose of the mumps vaccine. The CDC has advised that a third dose of the vaccine can boost your immunity against mumps. The University Health Center and the Virginia Department of Health will be hosting several free vaccination clinics in the coming weeks for the JMU community. This vaccine is available to all enrolled JMU students and all employed JMU faculty and staff members.
Why? In people who had the usual MMR vaccine series as a child, the CDC has advised that their immunity wanes over time. Since mumps is contagious even before the person shows symptoms, you are advised to get this third dose to help protect yourself from the mumps. This is also a public health issue. Students, faculty and staff who get the MMR booster vaccine will decrease the risk of carrying the virus home with them. You are encouraged to either take part in these clinics or consult with your private primary care doctor about obtaining this vaccine.
Who should receive this third vaccine? Anyone born after 1957 (those born before 1957 are presumed to have had the mumps and should be immune). However, if you were born before 1957 and know you did not have the mumps, you should consider getting the vaccine.
Who does not need the third vaccine? Anyone born before 1957 and/or anyone who knows they had the mumps. Having the disease conveys lifelong immunity.
When and Where:
- Mon. April 16, 9 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. in Madison Union Ballroom
- Thurs. April 19, 9 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. at UREC
- Mon. April 23, 9 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. in Madison Union 256
- Thurs. April 26, 9 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. at UREC
More information regarding mumps can be found on the UHC website or http://www.vdh.virginia.gov/epidemiology/epidemiology-fact-sheets/mumps/ . For additional questions contact Becky Schaeffer at (540) 568-7777.
