CDC recommends booster shot of MMR vaccine during mumps outbreaks

As October 7, the CDC has received reports of 4,667 total mumps infections in 47 states and the District of Columbia for the year. The MMR vaccine is 88% effective when two doses have been given. In people who receive just one shot, the vaccine is less effective. The effectiveness of the vaccine “begins to wane slowly over 10 or 15 years”, however people who have been vaccinated still have partial protection and if they get mumps, they will get a milder case. The third booster shot should be helpful for people where infections are being passed from person to person. It’s one way to help curtail an outbreak although it’s not a magic potion.

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