The other 2 arteries that bring blood to the brain, called the vertebral arteries, supply the brainstem. Plaque in the vertebral arteries is much less likely to break off and cause a stroke, but narrowing in the vertebral arteries can cause problems if the brainstem does not get enough blood flow.
A child should receive the first shot when he is between 12-15 months, and the second when he's between 4-6 years of age. If you're not sure if you have had the diseases or the vaccines (prior to 1971 it was given in three separate shots), you can get the MMR vaccine as an adult.
Mumps can be prevented by vaccination. The vaccine is given as part of the measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) immunization, which is usually given to children at 12â15 months of age. A second dose of MMR is generally given at 4-6 years of age. As is the case with all immunization schedules, there are important exceptions and special circumstances.