Rise in mumps cases prompts experts to recommend 3rd vaccine

ATLANTA, Ga. — A new recommendation is coming out, saying that some people may need an extra booster shot to protect against the mumps. In the last two years there have been 150 outbreaks of the mumps.

According to the leading mumps medical researcher at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Manisha Patel, experts have spent the last two days considering the increase in the number of mumps outbreaks recently and a new study in the Journal of American Medicine that says a third booster could reduce the chance of someone getting mumps by 78 percent.

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Dr. Kevin Rodbell, of Sage Hill Pediatrics has a busy office, and spends a lot of time making sure his patients are vaccinated.

"The recommendation is initially for 1 dose," said Rodbell. "And then, over time they track very closely whether or not kids maintain their immunity."

Rodbell said he is not surprised by the fact that the Advisory Committee of Immunization Practices has recommended to the CDC that a third booster might be effective in preventing a mumps outbreak, especially for young people who are headed to college.

"College is the ultimate location for germs. Germs love universities, because of dorm settings, crowded classrooms, people mingling," said Rodbell.

Patel said researchers looked at a new study and the number of outbreaks across the country since 2015.

"Even though there have been a lot of outbreaks lately, not everyone is at increased risk," said Patel.

But for those who are at risk, she said the new study shows, an extra booster is 78 percent effective in protecting against mumps.

"There's new data that a 3rd dose can provide additional protection to people during mumps outbreaks," said Patel.

Patel said public health departments across the country will be instrumental in getting the word out about when people are at higher risk. She said if you have any questions about whether you may be at risk, you should call your local department.

Cox Media Group