According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, from January 1 to February 25, 2017, 37 states and the District of Columbia in the United States reported mumps infections in 1077 people. More than 5,000 cases of the contagious viral illness were reported last year in the United States, the most in a decade. These outbreaks have been occurring in communities with high rates of immunization and residents who often have received both recommended doses of the vaccine, prompting U.S. health officials to weigh the benefits of an additional vaccination.
Currently, the CDC recommends children receive two doses of the Measles-mumps-rubella vaccine. This vaccine is 88 percent effective against the mumps when a person gets both doses. Accordingly, the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (“ACIP”) is evaluating whether mumps immunity decreases over time and, if so, whether there would be benefits to a third dose. Any recommendations will be presented by February 2018.
If you think you or someone you know has been injured by a vaccine, compensation for the injury may be available. To find out if you qualify to file a case under the National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program click here and let the vaccine lawyers at Rawls Law Group provide the answers.