Vaccines & Immunizations
In most developed countries, we give vaccines to children to help prevent what were once common and serious childhood diseases. Vaccines are developed using either dead strains of a disease, weakened strains, or strains of a different disease that can confer some immunity.
As adults we may need a booster of the vaccine we received years ago to remain immunized. Travelers may receive vaccines either as a condition of entry to a country, or on recommendation of health officials. Generally there is little or no reaction to a vaccine, but in some cases the vaccine may cause either a rare allergic reaction or a temporary, mild illness. A few vaccines are not safe for pregnant women, so be certain to let the health care provider know if you are or may be pregnant.
Recently Answered
- Q What should I know about the mumps vaccine before taking it?
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Stacy Wiegman, PharmacyThe mumps vaccine as a single immunization is no longer available in the US. Instead, it is available in combination with the measles virus, plus rubella virus vaccines, as M-M-R II, and with the measles virus, plus rubella virus plus varicella virus... Full Answer
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- Q What are the side effects of the mumps vaccine?
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Stacy Wiegman, PharmacyThe mumps vaccine as a single immunization is no longer available in the US. Instead, it is available in combination with the measles virus, plus rubella virus vaccines, as M-M-R II, and with the measles virus, plus rubella virus plus varicella virus... Full Answer
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- Q How do I prove that I got the mumps vaccine in childhood?
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Stacy Wiegman, PharmacyIf you are returning to college or require proof of vaccination for another reason, ask your doctor to test you for antibodies to the mumps virus. If they are present, it means you are immune. If you cannot be tested, you may need to get the... Full Answer
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- Q Can my child get the mumps vaccine without measles and rubella included?
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Stacy Wiegman, PharmacyThere is no health-related reason for your child to get the mumps vaccine separate from the ones for measles and rubella. The combination measles, mumps, rubella (MMR) vaccine protects your child from all three diseases without causing any... Full Answer
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- Q Can my child get the mumps vaccine if he is allergic to eggs?
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Stacy Wiegman, PharmacyEgg allergies once kept many children from getting mumps vaccine, but no longer. Although the vaccine is grown in a chick embryo culture, the health risk to children with egg allergies is extremely low. This was demonstrated in a study published... Full Answer
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- Q What should I talk to my doctor about regarding the mumps vaccine?
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Stacy Wiegman, PharmacyTalk to your child's doctor about your child's personal and family history of seizures, blood disorders and transfusions. Let your child's doctor know if your child may be pregnant. If your child is sick, you might want to wait before letting him... Full Answer
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- Q Does the mumps vaccine cause autism?
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Stacy Wiegman, PharmacyDespite the claims, there is no scientific proof that the mumps vaccine cause autism. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the American Academy of Pediatrics say the vaccine is not responsible for an increase in autism, and... Full Answer
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- Q Why does my family need the mumps vaccine?
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Stacy Wiegman, PharmacyThe more people who get vaccinated, the more effective the vaccinations become. In order for the whole community to be protected, 85 percent to 95 percent of people need to be immunized. Adult healthcare workers who have not been previously... Full Answer
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- Q Which children should not get the mumps vaccine?
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Stacy Wiegman, PharmacyYour child should not get the mumps vaccine if he has been treated with radiation or drugs for cancer. The vaccine is not recommended for children with HIV/AIDS. The vaccine should not be given to children who have been treated with drugs such as... Full Answer
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- Q How do I decide which set of mumps vaccines is best for my child?
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Stacy Wiegman, PharmacyTo decide which set of vaccines is best to protect your child's health, talk to your child's doctor. He can counsel you about the benefits of getting the MMRV (measles, mumps, rubella and varicella) versus the risks of infection. You and your... Full Answer
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