What causes lack of immunity to mumps?

Lack of immunity to mumps is caused by either never receiving the MMR (measles, mumps, rubella) vaccine or having antibody levels that have declined over time. Some people may have received only one dose of the vaccine instead of the recommended two doses, resulting in incomplete protection. Additionally, certain immune system conditions or medications that suppress immunity can prevent the body from maintaining adequate antibody levels even after vaccination.

What is the best test for lack of immunity to mumps?

The Mumps Virus Antibody (IgG) test is the most important test for determining mumps immunity because it directly measures the protective IgG antibodies your immune system produces in response to vaccination or previous infection. This blood test provides clear evidence of whether you have adequate long-term protection against the mumps virus. If the test shows low or absent antibody levels, it confirms you lack immunity and may need vaccination or a booster shot to develop protection.

When should I get tested for mumps immunity?

You should get tested if you work in healthcare, schools, or childcare settings where mumps exposure is more likely. Testing is also recommended before international travel to areas where mumps is common, if you are planning pregnancy, or if you are unsure about your vaccination history. Anyone who has been exposed to someone with mumps or is experiencing symptoms like swollen cheeks or jaw pain should also consider testing to confirm their immunity status.

What are the symptoms of mumps infection?

Mumps symptoms typically include painful swelling of the salivary glands, particularly the parotid glands on the sides of your face, giving you a characteristic chipmunk-like appearance. You might notice fever, headache, muscle aches, fatigue, and loss of appetite. Some people also experience pain while chewing or swallowing, especially with acidic foods or drinks. In more severe cases, mumps can cause complications like testicular swelling in males, ovarian inflammation in females, or rarely, meningitis or hearing loss.

Who is at risk for lacking immunity to mumps?

People born before 1957 may have natural immunity from childhood exposure, but those born after who never received the MMR vaccine are at highest risk. Healthcare workers, college students living in dormitories, and international travelers face increased exposure risk. Individuals who received only one dose of MMR vaccine instead of the recommended two doses may have inadequate protection. People with weakened immune systems from conditions like HIV or cancer treatments may lose immunity even if previously vaccinated.

What happens if lack of immunity to mumps is left untreated?

Without immunity, you remain vulnerable to mumps infection throughout your life, with risk increasing during outbreaks or when exposed to infected individuals. Mumps can lead to serious complications including orchitis (testicular inflammation) in about 20-30% of infected males after puberty, which can rarely cause infertility. Other complications include meningitis, encephalitis, pancreatitis, and permanent hearing loss in one or both ears. Pregnant women who contract mumps in the first trimester face an increased risk of miscarriage.

Can lack of immunity to mumps be diagnosed with a blood test?

Yes, the Mumps Virus Antibody (IgG) blood test can definitively diagnose whether you lack immunity to mumps by measuring the level of protective IgG antibodies in your bloodstream. The test requires a simple blood draw and results typically indicate whether antibody levels are adequate for protection, borderline, or absent. This is more reliable than relying on vaccination records alone, especially if your immunization history is unclear or you received vaccines many years ago when antibody levels may have declined.

How is lack of immunity to mumps treated?

The treatment for lack of mumps immunity is vaccination with the MMR vaccine, which protects against mumps, measles, and rubella. If you have never been vaccinated, you will need two doses given at least 28 days apart. If you received only one dose previously, a single booster shot is typically sufficient to restore immunity. The vaccine is safe for most people, though it should be avoided during pregnancy and in individuals with severely compromised immune systems. After vaccination, your body typically develops protective antibodies within 2-4 weeks.

How can I prevent mumps infection?

The most effective prevention is receiving two doses of the MMR vaccine, which provides about 88% protection against mumps. Maintain good hygiene by washing your hands frequently, especially after touching your face or being in public spaces. Avoid close contact with anyone who has mumps, and if you are infected, stay home for at least five days after salivary gland swelling begins to prevent spreading the virus. Do not share drinks, utensils, or personal items like towels with others, as the mumps virus spreads through respiratory droplets and saliva.

What can I do at home if I lack immunity to mumps?

While there are no home remedies to create immunity, you can reduce your exposure risk by avoiding crowded places during known outbreaks and practicing excellent hand hygiene. Maintain a healthy lifestyle with adequate sleep, balanced nutrition rich in vitamins C and D, and regular exercise to support overall immune function. Keep your vaccination records organized and easily accessible so you can quickly confirm your status if exposed to mumps. If you discover you lack immunity, schedule vaccination as soon as possible rather than waiting, as outbreaks can occur unexpectedly in communities, schools, or workplaces.

Getting your blood test with us is easy, private & backed by the power of science.Long story short: In the test options, use the filters or search box to narrow your choices and find the test you want. If you need a hand navigating through options, text our super friendly support team at 754-799-7833, and we'll provide tailored suggestions to help you find the ideal test. Once your order is placed, we’ll create your doctor’s lab order remotely, without any need for you to make a trip to a doctor in person or to talk to the doctor. Expect to receive your doctor’s lab order right in your inbox. It will also be in your patient portal if you need to find it later. We’ll also include instructions regarding fasting and other requirements for your test. Your patient portal will be auto-created hassle-free during checkout. If this is your first time ordering, you'll be prompted to create a password for instant login access to your patient portal. It's a quick way to conveniently access your orders and results whenever you want. When you’re ready, visit one of our 4,000 locations. Just bring your ID – no printing or faxing of your lab order is needed, as your order and details will already be in the lab system. Note that most lab locations don’t accept walk-ins, so it’s best to book an appointment in advance. Don’t worry – we’ll provide detailed instructions along the way. You’ll get your results via email & SMS and dive into understanding your body better. Yup, that easy! If you have any questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com and we'll gladly help you.

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Is it possible to make changes to my lab order if I made a mistake with the name, date of birth, or any other details?

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During the ordering process, you’ll be able to select a specific lab near you, with no strings attached! You can switch it up later easily and visit any of our authorized locations as long as it’s the same lab company you selected your test for (Quest Diagnostics or Labcorp). Before you proceed with your order, feel free to browse through all our lab locations here. This will give you the peace of mind of knowing that there's a lab nearby your home, office or your favorite gym. If you have any questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com and we'll gladly help you.

Lack of Immunity to Mumps Test

Lack of Immunity to Mumps Blood Test

What is Lack of Immunity to Mumps?

Lack of immunity to mumps means your body does not have sufficient antibodies to protect against the mumps virus, a contagious infection causing painful salivary gland swelling. It occurs when you have not received the MMR vaccine or your antibody levels have declined over time. The Mumps Virus Antibody (IgG) test is the most important test for determining your immunity status.

Written by Private MD Labs Medical Team

Last updated: December 30, 2025

Getting your blood test with us is easy, private & backed by the power of science.

Long story short:

In the test options, use the filters or search box to narrow your choices and find the test you want.
If you need a hand navigating through options, text our super friendly support team at 754-799-7833, and we'll provide tailored suggestions to help you find the ideal test.
Once your order is placed, we’ll create your doctor’s lab order remotely, without any need for you to make a trip to a doctor in person or to talk to the doctor. Expect to receive your doctor’s lab order right in your inbox. It will also be in your patient portal if you need to find it later. We’ll also include instructions regarding fasting and other requirements for your test. Your patient portal will be auto-created hassle-free during checkout.
If this is your first time ordering, you'll be prompted to create a password for instant login access to your patient portal. It's a quick way to conveniently access your orders and results whenever you want.
When you’re ready, visit one of our 4,000 locations. Just bring your ID – no printing or faxing of your lab order is needed, as your order and details will already be in the lab system.
Note that most lab locations don’t accept walk-ins, so it’s best to book an appointment in advance. Don’t worry – we’ll provide detailed instructions along the way.
You’ll get your results via email & SMS and dive into understanding your body better. Yup, that easy!

754-799-7833

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