Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 16, 2026
08:52
Evaluation of Host-Pathogen Responses and Vaccine Efficacy in Mice
Published on: February 22, 2019
Vaccine effectiveness estimates, 2004-2005 mumps outbreak, England
Cheryl Cohen1, Joanne M White, Emma J Savage
1National Institute for Communicable Diseases, Johannesburg, South Africa. cherylc@nicd.ac.za
Emerging Infectious Diseases
|March 21, 2007
Summary
Recent mumps outbreaks raise questions about measles, mumps, rubella (MMR) vaccine effectiveness. Studies show two MMR vaccine doses provide 95% effectiveness, but immunity wanes in older children, potentially causing outbreaks.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Epidemiology
- Public Health
Background:
- Recent large mumps outbreaks in the UK and US prompt concern regarding measles, mumps, rubella (MMR) vaccine effectiveness.
- Mumps outbreaks in vaccinated populations highlight the need to assess vaccine performance and duration of immunity.
Purpose of the Study:
- To estimate the effectiveness of the mumps component of the MMR vaccine using the screening method.
- To evaluate how MMR vaccine effectiveness changes with the number of doses and age.
Main Methods:
- The screening method was employed to assess MMR vaccine effectiveness.
- Data from 312 mumps cases in children eligible for two MMR vaccine doses in England (Jan 2004-Mar 2005) were analyzed.
Main Results:
- One dose of MMR vaccine showed 88% effectiveness, while two doses demonstrated 95% effectiveness.
- Effectiveness declined with age: one-dose effectiveness dropped from 96% in 2-year-olds to 66% in 11- to 12-year-olds.
- Two-dose effectiveness decreased from 99% in 5- to 6-year-olds to 86% in 11- to 12-year-olds.
Conclusions:
- Two doses of the MMR vaccine provide high initial protection against mumps.
- Waning immunity in older, vaccinated individuals may be a significant factor contributing to current mumps outbreaks.
Related Concept Videos
01:51Vaccinations
Overview
01:24Smallpox
Smallpox is a severe contagious disease caused by the Variola major virus, a double-stranded DNA member of the Poxviridae family.Variola major transmission occurs primarily via inhalation of virus-laden droplets or direct contact with infectious scabs. The incubation period averages approximately seven days, although it may range from 7 to 17 days depending on the inoculum and host factors.Clinically, the prodromal phase is marked by an abrupt onset of high fever, malaise, headache, and myalgia.
01:17Poliomyelitis
Poliomyelitis is caused by poliovirus, a small, non-enveloped, positive-sense RNA virus of the Picornaviridae family and Enterovirus genus. Transmission occurs primarily via the fecal-oral route, often through ingestion of contaminated water or food. The virus initially replicates in the oropharynx and intestinal mucosa, particularly in lymphoid tissues such as the tonsils, Peyer’s patches, and regional lymph nodes. Primary viremia follows, allowing dissemination throughout the body.In most...
01:21Vaccines
Vaccines are among the most effective tools in preventive medicine, designed to prepare the immune system to recognize and combat infectious agents. By introducing antigens—substances that the immune system identifies as foreign—vaccines stimulate an adaptive immune response that leads to immunological memory. This immunological memory enables the body to mount a faster and more effective response upon future exposures to the actual pathogen.Vaccines can be categorized based on the type of...