Mumps
Information about mumps immunisation funded under the Immunise Australia Program.
Mumps is a salivary gland infection caused by the Rubulavirus. The mumps virus is passed through air droplets and contact with the saliva of an infected person.
It takes between 12 and 25 days for symptoms of this disease to show after infection. Symptoms of mumps include:
- swelling under the jaw area;
- fever;
- headache; and
- aching muscles.
Complications of the disease include serious infection of other glands and body parts, such as testicles, ovaries, pancreas, liver, brain and heart. Hearing loss can occur due to nerve damage and in rare cases mumps can cause sterility in some men.
Mumps is a vaccine preventable disease. Mumps vaccination is recommended as part of routine childhood immunisation. It is listed on the National Immunisation Program (NIP) Schedule and funded for children under the Immunise Australia Program. To receive mumps immunisation, visit your local doctor or immunisation provider. It is important to note that the vaccine is provided at no cost, however a consultation fee may apply.
Doses of vaccine are given at 12 months and 4 years of age. Immunisation against mumps is achieved using combination vaccines. For information about immunisation in your area contact your State or Territory Health Department. For technical information or information about vaccines, refer to the mumps section of the Australian Immunisation Handbook 9th Edition 2008 (NHMRC).
Page last modified: 05 May, 2009