True about mumps vaccine ?
**Core Concept**
Mumps vaccine is a live attenuated vaccine that provides immunity against the mumps virus, a member of the paramyxovirus family. The vaccine is administered to children as part of the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine.
**Why the Correct Answer is Right**
The mumps vaccine contains the attenuated Schwarz strain of the mumps virus. After administration, the virus replicates in the vaccine recipient's cells, eliciting a mild immune response that provides long-term protection against future mumps infections. The immune response is mediated by the production of antibodies against the mumps virus, which neutralize the virus and prevent it from infecting cells.
**Why Each Wrong Option is Incorrect**
**Option A:** This option is incorrect because the mumps vaccine is not a killed-virus vaccine, unlike some other vaccines.
**Option B:** This option is incorrect because the mumps vaccine is not administered as a separate vaccine, but rather as part of the MMR vaccine.
**Option C:** This option is incorrect because the mumps vaccine is not a conjugate vaccine, which combines a polysaccharide antigen with a protein to enhance immune response.
**Clinical Pearl / High-Yield Fact**
The MMR vaccine is a highly effective vaccine that has led to a significant decline in the incidence of mumps in countries where it is widely administered. However, two doses of the vaccine are required to achieve optimal immunity, and a booster dose may be necessary in areas with ongoing mumps outbreaks.
**Correct Answer: D. The mumps vaccine contains the attenuated Schwarz strain of the mumps virus.**