The mumps vaccine is given in two doses, starting at 12 months old, with the second dose at 4 to 6 years old

The mumps vaccine comes as part of the MMR shot, which protects against measles, mumps, and rubella all at once. Your child receives the first dose around their first birthday. The second dose comes between ages 4 and 6, usually before school starts. This two-dose schedule is what the CDC recommends and what most states require for school entry.

If your child is older and has not yet received two doses, they can still get vaccinated. There is no upper age limit. The doses should be spaced at least 28 days apart. If your child missed the standard timing, talk to your doctor about catching up.

Some people need the vaccine on a different schedule. If you are traveling internationally, pregnant, or have certain health conditions, the timing may shift. Your doctor can tell you what makes sense for your situation.

Key Takeaways

  • The first MMR dose is given at 12 months old, and the second dose is given between 4 and 6 years old.
  • Both doses are needed for full protection against mumps; one dose alone leaves you vulnerable.
  • If your child is older and has not received two doses, they can still get vaccinated with at least 28 days between doses.
  • Some situations—like international travel or pregnancy planning—may change when your doctor recommends the vaccine.

What happens at each dose

The first dose at 12 months triggers your child's immune system to recognize the mumps virus. Protection builds over the following weeks. By the time the second dose arrives, the first dose has already done most of the work, and the second dose reinforces it and fills in any gaps the first dose missed.

After the second dose, protection is very strong—about 88 percent effective at preventing mumps infection entirely, and even higher at preventing severe disease. This is why both doses matter. One dose alone leaves roughly 12 out of 100 vaccinated people unprotected.

Catch-up schedules for children and teens who are behind

If your child is 2 years old and has not yet received the first dose, they can start right away. If they are 7 years old and have never been vaccinated, they can still get both doses—just 28 days apart. There is no penalty for starting late, and no need to restart the series.

Teens who were never vaccinated can receive both doses on the same schedule as younger children. If a teen received one dose years ago but never got the second, they only need one more dose to complete the series.

Adults who need the vaccine

Adults born in 1957 or later who have not been vaccinated should talk to their doctor about getting the MMR shot. Adults born before 1957 are generally considered immune because mumps was common then, though immunity can fade. If you are unsure whether you were vaccinated or had mumps as a child, a blood test can check your immunity level.

Adults in certain jobs—healthcare workers, teachers, people who work with children—may be required to show immunity or get vaccinated. Check with your employer or your doctor about what applies to you.

Special situations that change the schedule

If you are planning to become pregnant, the CDC recommends getting the MMR vaccine before conception, not during pregnancy. The vaccine contains a live weakened virus and is not given to pregnant people. If you are already pregnant and not immune, you can get vaccinated right after delivery.

If you have a weakened immune system from HIV, cancer treatment, or certain medications, you may not be able to receive the live MMR vaccine at all. Your doctor will discuss alternatives or whether the vaccine is safe for you.

If you recently received another live vaccine (like chickenpox or rotavirus), you may need to wait 28 days before getting MMR, or get them on the same day. Your doctor's office will check your vaccination record and tell you what timing works.

Where to get the vaccine and what to bring

Your child's pediatrician's office is the most common place to get MMR. Many pharmacies with vaccination services also offer it. Community health centers and health departments often have clinics with lower or no cost if you do not have insurance.

Bring your child's vaccination record if you have it, or ask your doctor's office to look it up. If this is the first dose, there is nothing else you need to prepare. If this is a catch-up dose and your child was vaccinated elsewhere years ago, tell the nurse or doctor where and when, so they can confirm the first dose was given before administering the second.

What to expect after the vaccine

Most children have no side effects or only mild ones. Some develop a low fever, rash, or swollen glands a week or two after the shot. These are normal signs that the immune system is responding and go away on their own. Fever can be managed with acetaminophen or ibuprofen if needed.

Serious side effects are very rare. If your child develops a high fever, difficulty breathing, or severe allergic reaction within minutes of the shot, tell the nurse or doctor right away. Your doctor can discuss what to watch for after you leave.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can my child get the second dose before age 4?

The second dose should be at least 28 days after the first dose. If your child is younger than 4 and you need them protected quickly—for example, because of a mumps outbreak at school—your doctor can give the second dose early. It will still count as a valid dose.

What if I do not know whether my child was vaccinated?

Call the doctor's office or health department where your child was vaccinated. They keep records for years. If you cannot find the record, your child can safely receive the vaccine again—getting an extra dose is not harmful. Your doctor can also order a blood test to check immunity.

Do adults need a booster dose?

No. Two doses of MMR in childhood provide lifelong protection for most people. Adults do not need a booster. If you received only one dose as a child, you need one more dose to complete the series.

Is the mumps vaccine required for school?

Yes, in all 50 states. Most states require two doses before kindergarten or first grade. Some states allow the second dose to be given after school entry if the first dose was given on time. Check your state's health department website or your school's requirements.

Can I get the MMR vaccine at the same time as other vaccines?

Yes. MMR can be given on the same day as most other vaccines, including flu shot, COVID-19 vaccine, and others. Your doctor will tell you which arm or leg each shot goes into. If you are getting two live vaccines, they must be given on the same day or 28 days apart.