New Mumps Vaccination Program Launched
Nova Scotia's post-secondary and Grade 12 students will be offered a second dose of mumps, measles and rubella (MMR) vaccine under a program being launched as part of the province's response to the mumps outbreak.
Post-secondary students have an increased risk of getting measles, mumps and rubella. The National Advisory Committee on Immunization recommends post-secondary students be offered a second dose of MMR vaccine.
"This vaccination program provides the best possible safeguard for these students," Barry Barnet, Minister of Health Promotion and Protection said today, July 25. "It will not only cover all students studying at Nova Scotia's public and private post-secondary institutions, but also all Nova Scotia students enrolled as post-secondary students outside our province."
Mr. Barnet said he is pleased with the co-operation between his department and the province's post-secondary institutions to develop the program.
There have been 461 cases of mumps in Nova Scotia since the outbreak began in February. It is the third outbreak of mumps in the province since 2005.
"Nova Scotia's post-secondary leaders were only too happy to partner with the department on this important initiative, as many of our institutions, particularly those in metro, have first-hand experience in dealing with the outbreak," said Dr. Bill Barker, president of University of King's College, speaking on behalf of the Council of Nova Scotia University Presidents.
Under the program, vaccinations will be available at university health clinics and other clinics to be held at some post-secondary institutions.
Post-secondary students may also get an MMR vaccination from their doctor. They are encouraged to do so this summer, if possible, before returning to school.
During the 2007-08 school year, a second dose of MMR vaccine will be offered to all Grade 12 students and to any Grade 11 students who have not already had two doses. This will be done through school immunization clinics held by Public Health.
"The school immunization program will only be done for one year as this is the last graduating class which has not been offered two doses of MMR as children," said Dr. Robert Strang, deputy chief medical officer of health.
In Canada, people born after 1970 were likely offered a single dose of MMR vaccine. Those born after 1996 or 1997 have been offered two doses.
Most people recover but mumps can sometimes lead to more serious illnesses for adults. Those who become ill may contract encephalitis (an infection of the brain), meningitis (swelling of the covering of the brain), arthritis and deafness. Some men develop painful, swollen testicles and, in rare cases, become infertile.