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FAQ For Young Adults

• Why should I be vaccinated?
• Where can I get vaccinated?
• How much does the vaccination cost?
• Does the vaccine have a name?
• I was born between 1970 and 1991 and I am not a post-secondary student. Can I get mumps too?
• I can’t find my immunization records. What should I do?
• What if my records show I’ve already received 2 doses of MMR vaccine or what if I’m sure I’ve been vaccinated for mumps twice?
• If I live in Ontario, but go to school in another province or country, am I still eligible for vaccination?
• Who should not get vaccinated with MMR vaccine?
• What if I don’t have an Ontario health card?
• Could I get a reaction to the vaccine?
• How might I get infected with mumps?
• If my friend had mumps and I develop symptoms of mumps, what should I do?
• Could I be infected with mumps without knowing it?

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Why should I be vaccinated?

Right now there are mumps outbreaks in Ontario. If you catch mumps, chances are you will miss out on things that are important to you — school, work, sports and spending time with family and friends. Complications from mumps can also be serious. Four out of five young adults born in Ontario between 1970 and 1991 did not receive the two vaccines required and so are not fully protected against mumps.  Young adults have the highest risk of infection because they tend to live, work, study and socialize in close proximity. 

Where can I get vaccinated?

You can be vaccinated at your campus health clinic, doctor’s office, a walk-in clinic, or at your local public health unit.

How much does the vaccination cost?

The vaccination is free.

Does the vaccine have a name?

It is called MMR (measles, mumps rubella) vaccine. It protects you against all three illnesses.

I was born between 1970 and 1991 and I am not a post-secondary student. Can I get mumps too?

Yes, you can get mumps. If you haven’t received two doses of the MMR vaccine, then you are not fully protected. Most people born in Ontario between 1970 and 1991 received only a single dose of the MMR vaccine. Most people born later received two doses, and people born before 1970 have most probably been exposed to mumps and are considered to be immune. To be fully protected from contracting mumps, two immunizations are required.

I can’t find my immunization records.  What should I do?

Ask your parents or guardian.. They may have your yellow immunization card. If they can’t find your records, contact the public health unit closest to where you last attended secondary school. They will likely have a copy of your immunization records. You can also contact your health care provider who provided your childhood immunizations.  If you still cannot locate your immunization records, you can still safely receive one dose of the MMR vaccine.

What if my records show I’ve already received 2 doses of MMR vaccine or if I’m sure I’ve been vaccinated for mumps twice?

You should not be vaccinated again.

If I live in Ontario, but go to school in another province or country, am I still eligible for vaccination?

Yes.

Who should not get vaccinated with MMR vaccine?

You should not be vaccinated with MMR vaccine if you:

• Have had an allergic reaction to MMR vaccine before.
• Have had an allergic reaction to neomycin or gelatin.
• Have had a disease or treatment that impairs your immune system.
• Are pregnant, suspect you are pregnant, or are trying to become pregnant.
• Had a blood transfusion or immune globulin therapy in the last three months.
• Have a fever or infection (anything worse than a cold).

What if I don’t have an Ontario health card?

Contact your local public health unit.

Could I get a reaction to the vaccine?

The MMR vaccine can cause a mild rash or fever beginning 5 to 12 days after vaccination, which can last for a few days. Allergic reactions are rare. You will not get mumps from the vaccine.

How might I get infected with mumps?

Mumps spreads through direct contact with saliva from an infected person. Droplets from coughs or sneezes can enter the nose or mouth.  Infection can also result from kissing or by sharing food or beverages.  The virus can also survive on surfaces. Touching a surface contaminated by the mumps virus and then touching your nose or mouth can cause infection.

If my friend had mumps and I develop symptoms of mumps, what should I do?

You need to quickly report any symptoms compatible with mumps to the local  public health unit and to your doctor (call ahead to inform the office staff that you may have mumps before going in to be tested for the disease)
Immediately isolate yourself at home for nine days after any symptoms of mumps develop (fever, sore and swollen jaw, cough)

Could I be infected with mumps without knowing it?

Yes. About 20% of infected people have no symptoms and can still spread the virus to others.  Another 40% to 50% have symptoms that may or may not be related to mumps, such as respiratory or cold-like symptoms.