[Future perspectives of mumps vaccine]

Area of Science:

• Virology
• Immunology
• Public Health

Context:

• Japan has not implemented routine mumps immunization due to concerns over aseptic meningitis from domestic vaccine strains, leading to frequent mumps epidemics.
• The 2015-2016 mumps epidemic in Japan reported 348 cases of hearing loss, highlighting the urgent need for vaccination.
• Globally, 122 countries utilize mumps-containing vaccines, with 117 recommending two doses, often in the measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine, though mumps resurgence has occurred in some vaccinated populations.

Purpose:

• To address the urgent need for routine mumps immunization in Japan.
• To re-evaluate Japanese domestic mumps vaccine strains based on current evidence.
• To advocate for the development of a novel mumps vaccine balancing safety and efficacy.

Summary:

• Concerns regarding aseptic meningitis from Japanese mumps vaccine strains have prevented routine immunization, resulting in major epidemics every 4-5 years.
• The significant number of hearing loss cases during recent epidemics underscores the critical need for a public immunization program.
• Despite global use of mumps vaccines, challenges remain in balancing vaccine safety and efficacy, necessitating a re-evaluation of existing strains and development of new ones.

Impact:

• Prompt introduction of a routine mumps immunization program in Japan.
• Improved public health outcomes by reducing mumps incidence and associated complications like hearing loss.
• Potential for a globally applicable, safer, and more effective mumps vaccine.