ACIP Recommends Third Dose of MMR For High-Risk Groups

The Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) has found that a third dose of measles, mumps, rubella (MMR) vaccine is safe and effective for high-risk groups, according to a report from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

The recommendation was first issued at the ACIP’s October 2017 meeting. Following a review of existing evidence, researchers found that the number of mumps cases reported in 2016 (6369) and 2017 (5629, preliminary as of December 31) were the highest reported within the last 10 years.
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According to the CDC, mumps outbreaks have continued to be reported throughout the United States, despite existing vaccine recommendations. Mumps outbreaks occur most frequently in settings with close, prolonged contact with other individuals, such as universities and close-knit communities.

“Persons previously vaccinated with 2 doses of a mumps virus–containing vaccine who are identified by public health authorities as being part of a group or population at increased risk for acquiring mumps because of an outbreak should receive a third dose of a mumps virus–containing vaccine to improve protection against mumps disease and related complications,” the report concluded.

—Christina Vogt

Reference:

Marin M, Marlow M, Moore KL, Patel M. Recommendation of the Advisory Committee of Immunization Practices for use of a third dose of mumps virus-containing vaccine in persons at increased risk for mumps during an outbreak. MMWR Morb Mortal Wkly Rep. 2018;67:33-38. http://dx.doi.org/10.15585.