What are the current vaccination recommendations for mumps in children and adults to prevent outbreaks?

Current vaccination recommendations to prevent mumps outbreaks in children and adults focus primarily on the administration of the MMR (measles, mumps, and rubella) vaccine as part of routine immunisation schedules. For children, the MMR vaccine is routinely offered in two doses, typically the first dose at around 12-13 months of age and the second dose before school entry, to ensure robust immunity and reduce the risk of outbreaks. Adults who have not received two doses of MMR vaccine or lack evidence of immunity should be offered catch-up vaccination, especially if they are at increased risk of exposure or during outbreak situations. Opportunistic vaccination during healthcare visits is encouraged to improve uptake and prevent transmission. Ensuring high coverage in both children and adults is critical to controlling mumps outbreaks, as immunity from a single dose may be insufficient and waning immunity can contribute to resurgence. Communication strategies including invitations, reminders, and education about vaccine benefits and safety are recommended to increase vaccine acceptance and coverage. Home visits or alternative access points should be considered for those unable to attend clinics. These recommendations align with UK immunisation guidelines emphasising routine and opportunistic vaccination and targeted outreach to improve uptake ¹ and are supported by evidence from epidemiological studies highlighting the importance of two-dose coverage to prevent mumps resurgence (Centers for Disease Control (CDC), 1989; Kancherla and Hanson, 2006).