Inapparent cases can also transmit the virus to others. Persons with mumps should generally be excluded from school or the workplace until at least 9 days after swelling onset if other susceptible persons are present in the setting. A mumps live virus vaccine given by injection has been available since 1967. This one dose is 95 percent effective at preventing disease. Mumps can also be prevented by avoidance of sharing drinking or eating utensils with others and by avoiding contact with soiled and contaminated tissues and similar articles of nose and throat secretions from infected individuals.
Mumps vaccine is one of the safest viral vaccines.
Rarely rash, swollen salivary glands and fever have been reported. Persons with severe allergies to eggs and neomycin should only be vaccinated with caution in an appropriate medical setting. Persons with certain impaired immune system conditions should not be vaccinated without first consulting a physician. Pregnant women should not be vaccinated based on theoretical concerns.