Mumps: a current epidemiologic pattern as a necessary background for the choice of a vaccination strategy

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C Zotti1, O Ossola, R Barberis

  • 1Dipartimento di Sanità Pubblica e Microbiologia, Università di Torino, Italy. zotti@molinette.unito.it

European Journal of Epidemiology
|October 30, 1999
PubMed

Insights

Mumps outbreaks occurred every 3-5 years before widespread MMR vaccination. Low vaccine coverage and parental refusal necessitate improved vaccination strategies for mumps control.

Area of Science:

  • Epidemiology
  • Public Health
  • Vaccinology

Background:

  • Mumps exhibited 3-5 year epidemic cycles with significant morbidity before widespread measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccination.
  • Surveillance data from sentinel pediatricians indicated that reported mumps cases were underestimated by 5-7 fold.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To analyze the epidemiologic data of mumps, including morbidity, immunization levels, and vaccine coverage in the Piedmont region (Italy) before widespread MMR vaccination.
  • To inform vaccination strategies for effective mumps control and potential elimination.

Main Methods:

  • Analysis of historical epidemiologic data on mumps incidence and recurrence.
  • Assessment of immunization levels in 12-year-olds and vaccine coverage in 3-5 year olds.
  • Evaluation of vaccination failure rates.

Main Results:

  • Mumps showed epidemic recurrence every 3-5 years with morbidity rates of 40-150/100,000.
  • Only 54% of children aged 3-5 received the MMR vaccine in their second year of life, with a 10% vaccination failure rate.
  • Immunization levels in 12-year-olds reached approximately 50%, with parental refusal of MMR vaccination noted.

Conclusions:

  • The existing epidemiologic pattern necessitates an active vaccination strategy, including offers in the second year of life and booster doses at 4-6 and/or 12 years.
  • Utilizing a highly efficacious vaccine and improving the notification system are crucial for enhanced mumps surveillance and control.
  • Regional vaccination strategies must adapt to achieve higher coverage rates for mumps control and elimination.

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