Parents urged to protect children against mumps

Date published: 27 January 2010

Parents in and around Prestwich are being urged to protect their children with the MMR vaccination in response to mumps that has affected many children.

MMR is the combined vaccine that protects against measles, mumps, and rubella. These diseases have serious complications. Two MMR vaccinations are required for full protection.

Parents of children from the area aged 10 to 16 that are not fully protected with the MMR vaccination have been personally invited to bring their children to one of four drop in sessions to get them protected with the MMR vaccination.

Although children aged 10 to 16 are especially susceptible to mumps, any young person up to the age of 24 years that are not fully protected can also attend one of the drop in sessions.

Dr. Peter Elton, Director of Public Health for NHS Bury said;

“Mumps is a highly contagious viral infection that usually affects children. The virus is spread in the same way as the common cold or flu, so it is easily passed wherever children get together such as in schools. That’s why young people tend to take the brunt of outbreaks. Although one MMR vaccine helps, children are not fully protected until they have the second MMR vaccine. I would urge parents to check if their child has full protection.”

The most common symptom of mumps is a swelling of glands located on one side, or both sides of the face. Other symptoms of mumps include headache, joint pain, nausea, dry mouth, mild abdominal pain, fatigue, loss of appetite and a high temperature (fever) of 38C (100F) or above.

Mumps used to be the main cause of viral meningitis in children. It can also cause brain damage, deafness, miscarriage, inflammation of the pancreas and pain and swelling in the testicles in men.

The drop in vaccination sessions will be held as follows:

Tuesday 2 February, 6pm - 8pm, Sedgley Children’s Centre, Bishop’s Road, Prestwich

Tuesday 9 February, 6pm - 8pm, Sedgley Children’s Centre, Bishop’s Road, Prestwich

Tuesday 23 February, 4pm - 6.30pm, Higher Broughton Health Centre, Bevendon Square, Salford

Thursday 18 March, 4pm - 6.30pm, Higher Broughton Health Centre, Bevendon Square, Salford