During a declared mumps outbreak, what should a 21-year-old college student with a history of 2 MMR doses be advised regarding an additional dose?

In the context of a declared mumps outbreak, a 21-year-old college student who has already received two doses of the MMR (measles, mumps, rubella) vaccine should indeed be advised to receive an additional dose. This recommendation is based on the understanding that during outbreaks of vaccine-preventable diseases, such as mumps, additional doses of the vaccine may be warranted to help increase immunity within the population.

Currently, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that in the event of a mumps outbreak, individuals who are at increased risk of exposure, including college students, may receive a third dose of the MMR vaccine, even if they have previously completed the two-dose series. This additional dose can enhance immunity and help control the spread of the virus among populations where outbreaks occur.

It's important to note that the need for additional doses is not solely linked to the number of doses previously received or specifically tied to rubella or measles outbreaks. Instead, it reflects a holistic approach to outbreak management and vaccination strategies aimed at protecting public health, especially in high-density environments like college campuses where the risk of transmission is higher.