Mumps Outbreak Dangerous to Undervaccinated Generation
For baby boomers, getting mumps was part of growing up. But since the vaccine was developed in 1967, the illness has become rare. Now mumps have resurfaced across the country, with thousands of cases being investigated by the Arkansas Department of Health.
Mumps most commonly affect children and is usually a mild disease, but adults may have more serious complications, meaning those who fall in the unvaccinated generation gap between baby boomers and millennials are at a much higher risk.
For those older than seven who were not previously vaccinated, the Centers for Disease Control recommends one dose of the MMR vaccine followed by a second dose at least four weeks later. If you’re concerned about your susceptibility to mumps or any other disease, speak with your doctor about vaccination options.