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Published on: November 5, 2019
Mumps vaccine virus strains and aseptic meningitis
Marie-Claude Bonnet1, Anil Dutta, Clement Weinberger
1Sanofi Pasteur, Medical Affairs International, 2, Avenue Pont Pasteur, 69007 Lyon, France. marie-claude.bonnet@sanofipasteur.com
Abstract:
Mumps immunization can easily be included in national schedules, particularly if combined with measles or measles and rubella vaccines, but debate continues concerning the relative safety of various licensed mumps vaccine strains. The opportunities for control of mumps are also being affected by differences in the cost of the vaccines prepared with different strains of mumps virus. The present report evaluates available data on the association of the Urabe and other strains of mumps vaccine with the occurrence of aseptic meningitis. We also review the comparative immunogenicity and efficacies of the most widely used mumps vaccines in controlled clinical trials and field evaluations, and briefly examine relative cost as it relates to the implementation of national immunization programs. We conclude that extensive experience with the most widely used mumps vaccine strains in many countries has shown that the risk-benefit ratio of live mumps vaccines is highly favourable for vaccination, despite the occasional occurence of aseptic meningitis.
Insights
Live mumps vaccines are safe and effective for national immunization programs, offering a favorable risk-benefit ratio. Despite rare cases of aseptic meningitis, widespread use demonstrates their overall benefit.
Area of Science:
- Vaccinology
- Public Health
- Epidemiology
Background:
- Mumps immunization is crucial for national health strategies, often combined with measles vaccines.
- Concerns exist regarding the safety of different mumps vaccine strains and their cost-effectiveness.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate data on mumps vaccine strains (Urabe and others) and aseptic meningitis.
- To review comparative immunogenicity, efficacy, and cost of widely used mumps vaccines.
Main Methods:
- Review of available data on vaccine-associated aseptic meningitis.
- Analysis of controlled clinical trials and field evaluations for immunogenicity and efficacy.
- Examination of vaccine cost in relation to national immunization programs.
Main Results:
- Extensive global experience confirms the favorable risk-benefit profile of live mumps vaccines.
- The Urabe strain and other mumps vaccine strains are associated with rare instances of aseptic meningitis.
Conclusions:
- Live mumps vaccines are highly favorable for vaccination programs.
- Despite occasional aseptic meningitis, the benefits of mumps vaccination outweigh the risks.
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