For individuals born in what year or later is it recommended to receive two doses of the mumps vaccine?

The recommendation for individuals born in 1957 or later to receive two doses of the mumps vaccine is based on the historical context of mumps vaccination strategies. The two-dose schedule was introduced to enhance immunity and effectively control outbreaks, recognizing that a single dose may not provide sufficient long-term protection for all individuals.

This strategy aligns with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) guidelines, which established that younger individuals are at a higher risk for mumps due to the changing epidemiology of the disease. Those born in or after 1957 were more likely to have missed the earlier vaccination campaigns that primarily targeted those born before that year, making it crucial for them to receive their two doses for optimal protection.

Individuals born before 1957, on the other hand, are generally considered to have had exposure to the mumps virus during childhood or been vaccinated during the early vaccination campaign, affording them some natural immunity. This age distinction helps inform public health strategies to prevent mumps outbreaks effectively based on vaccination history and the likelihood of exposure.