Mumps
Mumps is a viral illness that causes fever and swollen salivary glands. Serious and potentially lethal complications include inflammation of the brain or heart muscle. It is spread from person to person through cough or sneeze droplets and is as contagious as influenza. One in three infected people do not display any symptoms but are still highly contagious.
Immunisation is the best way to prevent mumps and its associated potential complications. It is typically delivered through a combined measles, mumps and rubella vaccine. There is currently no specific medical treatment available to people who have contracted mumps.
Requirements for students
The Victorian Standardised Student Induction Protocol requires that students have immunity to mumps when undertaking clinical placement.
The following documentation is accepted as evidence of immunity to mumps:
- Official vaccination record from a medical practitioner or Medicare indicating administration of two doses of MMR vaccine; or
- Serology report indicating immunity to mumps; or
- Government-issued documentation confirming a birth date prior to 1966.
Please note that old MMR vaccination records will not be accepted if the vaccine brands do not align with the Australian Immunisation Handbook.
Due to the risk of non-seroconversion from vaccination, the University recommends that all students obtain confirmation of immunity through serological testing prior to commencing placement. However, this is not mandatory.
If you have any questions about mumps requirements, please contact the Health Hub at health-hub@unimelb.edu.au or +61 3 8344 5807 (option 3).