University Staff Must Comply With Mumps Vaccination Directive

The University of Arkansas (UofA) published a reminder for employees they have until January 13, 2020, to comply with the Arkansas Department of Health’s Directive requiring mumps virus vaccinations.

University faculty and staff believed to be currently out of compliance with the Directive were notified by mail prior to January 2, 2020.

The University notice published on January 6th said ‘If you received an "out of compliance" email and do not have documentation, you will need to start or finish, if you have had the 1st vaccine dose more than 28 days ago, the measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine series before the deadline.’

‘Employees who recently received their 1st MMR dose can return to work and campus-related activities but must receive their 2nd dose following the 28-day waiting period.’

And, U of A employees not in compliance with the Arkansas Department of Health (ADH) Directive issued medical director Jennifer A. Dillaha, M.D., will be excluded from work and campus-related activities until the ADH determines the outbreak is over, which is 52 days after any confirmed case of mumps.

This ADH vaccination requirement is related to a mumps outbreak confirmed among the university community since September 2019. If you experience mumps symptoms, isolate yourself from others and call your medical provider right away. Do not go to class, work or public places says the ADH.

Since January 1, 2019, the total number of mumps cases diagnosed has reached 66, as of December 16, 2019.

Unvaccinated people are 9 times more likely to get mumps than are people immunized with 2-doses of MMR vaccine, says the ADH.

The Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends those born in 1957 or later receive 2-doses of the MMR vaccine unless a medical condition prevents vaccination.

During 2019, the CDC's Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices approved the 3rd dose of MMR vaccine for groups of people who are at risk because of an ongoing mumps outbreak. 

From January 1 to December 6, 2019, the CDC confirmed mumps infections in 3,252 people, which is significantly more than in 2018, when there were 2,251 mumps cases.

Mumps is a contagious disease caused by a virus that can be easily spread through coughing and sneezing, as well as from sharing food and drinks. It may take up to 26 days for a person to show symptoms after they have been infected.

At the onset of a suspected mumps outbreak, patients suspected to have mumps should be tested by RT-qPCR to confirm mumps and rule out other possible etiologies says the CDC.

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In the USA, there are 2 vaccines, MMR-II and ProQuad approved for mumps virus protection.

These vaccines are available at many pharmacies and doctors’ offices.

Vaccination services are also available at ADH local health units. For more information, go to health.uark.edu.

Mumps vaccine news published by Precision Vaccinations.