As a parent, helping your little one stay healthy is a top priority. During early check-ups at your family clinic, the health care team will review a variety of immunizations. One critical vaccine called MMR protects against measles, mumps, and rubella. If you’re unfamiliar with the MMR vaccine, here’s some helpful information to review. 

Understanding the Importance of Mumps Immunizations for Kids

What Is Mumps?

Mumps is a contagious, viral infection that occurs in the salivary glands and can spread from one person to another through the sharing of cups, utensils, lip balm, or saliva. When you contract this infection, you’ll experience swollen salivary glands, fatigue, fever, headaches, loss of appetite, and discomfort when chewing or swallowing that can last for several weeks. For some individuals, complications can occur such as swelling and inflammation in the brain, pancreas, or testicles. 

Why Should Your Child Receive This Immunization?

Once immunized with two doses of the MMR vaccine, you’re 88% less likely to contract this contagious and dangerous infection. As such, you won’t have to worry about your child getting sick when in close contact with potentially infected classmates at school or when participating in sports or social functions. Those contacts who are not vaccinated are high risk of exposing the community to dangerous diseases. By making sure your children get the vaccine, you’ll do your part to prevent outbreaks within your community. 

When Can Children Get the MMR Vaccine?

The MMR vaccine is administered in two doses. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, children should receive their first immunization around 12 to 15 months and the booster vaccine between the ages of four and six years old. Bring your child’s vaccine records to Access Health Clinic and get their immunizations caught up right away. There is currently an outbreak of measles in Harris County and this vaccine also protects against measles.

Access Health Clinic is a dedicated family care center that prioritizes prevention for their community.   Locally-owned and -operated by a team of certified Nurse Practitioners, you can depend on this facility for a variety of non life-threatening services, from administering flu shots and childhood immunizations to sports physicals and women’s health exams. To ask questions, call them directly at (281) 251-8700 or visit their website.