Rite Aid responds to increase in mumps cases

 CAMP HILL, Pa. — As the number of mumps cases increase across the country, Rite Aid pharmacists stand ready to administer the MMR (measles, mumps and rubella) vaccine, subject to state regulations. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported more than 1,000 cases of mumps in the U.S. since the start of 2017.



MMR vaccinations are available upon request at Rite Aid pharmacies in 28 states and the District of Columbia, subject to state regulations, during pharmacy hours. No appointment is necessary.



Although young children typically receive the MMR vaccine from their primary health care providers as part of a regular vaccine schedule, the CDC recommends that people 18 years of age or older who were born after 1956 should get at least one dose of MMR vaccine unless they have either been vaccinated previously or have had all three diseases.



Pregnant women should not receive an MMR vaccine.



According to the CDC, mumps is a contagious disease caused by a virus. Mumps symptoms begin with a fever, headache, muscle aches, tiredness and loss of appetite, followed by swelling of salivary glands, causing puffy cheeks and a tender, swollen jaw.



In addition to the MMR vaccine, Rite Aid certified immunizing pharmacists are able to vaccinate patients against more than a dozen diseases based on the CDC's vaccine guidelines and state regulations. By visiting Rite Aid's Vaccine Central customers can complete an immunization evaluation, track their personal immunization history and find other educational resources on immunizations.