How can I prevent my child from getting mumps?

A vaccine (shot) can help prevent mumps, measles and rubella (MMR). It needs to be given two times.

• At 12-15 months of age
• At 4-6 years of age before entering school
• Those who have not already received the second dose should have one by 11-12 years of age.
• If your child has had either the mumps or the shot, he is usually protected from getting the virus again. Rarely, a child may have a second bout of mumps.

Talk with your child’s doctor about the MMR vaccine to make sure your child can receive it and to answer any questions you might have.