Chicago Area College Students May Need 3rd MMR Dose

Several Chicago area colleges have confirmed students on campus suffering from the mump virus, and are advising precautionary actions. 

The colleges reporting mumps cases near Chicago during November and December include Lewis University, Columbia College, and Loyola University.   

The mumps virus is very contagious, spreading from person to person through respiratory secretions, which makes college-lifestyles ideal settings to create an outbreak, says the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).   

During 2018, various colleges have reported mumps cases, such as Cincinnati, Emory, Harvard, James Madison University, Michigan, Northern Colorado, Northeastern University, Oklahoma University, Penn State, TCU, Texas State and Western Illinois University.   

On December 8th, Will County Health Department (WCHD) issued an alert recommending that medical providers and hospitals take full precautions if someone enters their offices with typical mumps symptoms such as swollen salivary glands around the ears, mouth, and neck areas. 

This alert may be challenging for healthcare providers since mumps symptoms also include influenza-like fevers, headaches, and body aches. 

The WCHD message on December 8th also states, “Records show that the majority of the suspected mumps cases at Lewis University do involve students who have had the 2 doses.”   

Additionally, on December 10th, all Commencement Ceremonies and related activities planned for the weekend of December 15th on the Romeoville campus of Lewis University has been rescheduled. 

This WCHD message indicates certain students may need a 3rd dose of the measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine.

Recently, on November 16th, 2018, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) released new guidance on when the 3rd dose of mumps vaccine is appropriate. 

This new CDC guidance did not recommend a 3rd dose of mumps-containing vaccine outside of an ongoing mumps outbreak. 

Additionally, Harvard researchers recently estimated that 25 percent of people vaccinated against mumps may lose protection within 7.9 years, 50 percent within 19 years, and 75 percent within 38 years.

In the USA, most pharmacies offer mumps vaccination services. 

On the Lewis University campus, Jewel-Osco Pharmacies are providing pop-up MMR immunization clinics in the University Dining Room through December 14, 2018. 

To schedule an appointment with a pharmacist visit this site.

The CDC Vaccine Price List provides private sector vaccine prices for general information.

Vaccine discounts can be found here.

Vaccines, like any medicine, can have side effects, says the CDC. You are encouraged to report negative side effects of vaccines to the FDA or CDC.