(d) Mumps. The use of live attenuated mumps vaccine is not routinely
recommended for military personnel but should be limited to use in certain outbreaks of
mumps. Under such circumstances, the vaccine should be given to all individuals,
including dependents, who have not had mumps.
1 The vaccine may be used at any age from 12 months. It should
not be administered t children less than 12 months because of possible interference
with persisting maternal immunity. The mumps vaccine is of particular value to children
approaching puberty, in adolescents, and in adults, especially males.
2The mumps virus, grown in a chick embryo fibroblast tissue
culture, is supplied as freeze-dried material; it should be stored at 2C to 8C.
Reconstituted vaccine should be used immediately or within eight hours if held at 2C
through 8C. Reconstituted vaccine not used within this time limit should be discarded.
Vaccination is by one dose of 0.5 ml given subcutaneously. This virus is commonly
administered in a mix including measles and rubella (MMR). Do not confuse it with
Mumps Skin Test Antigen, which is used for delayed hypersensitivity skin testing.
NOTE:
When dependents are receiving measles and mumps vaccinations, delay
vaccinating women who have just given birth for one year after that birth. The
reason is that maternal antibodies may cause the vaccination to be ineffective
since maternal antibodies may destroy the weakened viruses in the vaccine
for a period of 1 to 12 months.
(e) Rubella. The live, attenuated rubella virus vaccine appears to be a
highly effective immunizing agent and the first suitable method of controlling rubella.
Rubella is generally a mild illness, but if the infection is acquired by a woman in the
early months of pregnancy, it is a direct hazard to the fetus. Preventing infection of the
fetus is the principal objective of rubella control. This can best be achieved by
eliminating the transmission of virus among children, children being the major source of
infection for susceptible pregnant women. Furthermore, the live, attenuated rubella
virus vaccine is safe and protective for children, but the vaccine is not safe for pregnant
women because of an undetermined risk of the vaccine virus for the fetus.
1 CAUTION: Do not routinely vaccinate adolescent girls and adult
women because there is a danger that the vaccine could be inadvertently administered
to a pregnant woman who does not yet know that she is pregnant.
2 Rubella vaccination is administered one time with 0.5 ml given
subcutaneously or intramuscularly. The vaccine is available alone or in a multiple
vaccine, MMR - mumps, measles, rubella. Female recruits will receive measles and
rubella vaccines prior to the eighth day of active duty with the exception of those found
immune to rubella by serological testing (titer). These will receive measles vaccine
only. Any female who suspects pregnancy will be exempted until pregnancy is ruled
out.
MD0587
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